# Copper(II) oxide reacts with dilute sulfuric acid to form copper(II) sulfate and water. The word equation for this reaction is: copper(II) oxide + sulfuric acid → copper(II) sulfate + water. The balanced symbol equation for this reaction is: CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O. Explain what the balanced symbol equation tells us about this reaction that the word equation does not.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.5 Chemical formulae, equations and calculations · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The symbol equation shows the chemical formulae / actual atoms or ions present (whereas the word equation only gives names)
2. The symbol equation shows the ratio in which reactants combine and products are formed (1 : 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio here)
3. The symbol equation shows the number of atoms of each element on both sides are equal / the equation is balanced, demonstrating conservation of atoms
4. The symbol equation shows the number of atoms of each element within each compound / the composition of each compound

## Key terms

- [balanced symbol equation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/balanced-symbol-equation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/copper-ii-oxide-reacts-with-dilute-sulfuric-3eabd99a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.