# Copper(II) sulfate has the formula CuSO₄. State what is meant by the term relative formula mass and describe the steps used to work out the relative formula mass of copper(II) sulfate. Use the relative atomic masses: Cu = 64, S = 32, O = 16.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.4 Relative formula mass · State and Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Relative formula mass is the sum of the relative atomic masses of all the atoms in a formula
2. Identify the correct number of each atom in CuSO₄: 1 Cu, 1 S, 4 O
3. Multiply each relative atomic mass by the number of that atom present: 1 × 64, 1 × 32, 4 × 16
4. Adds all values correctly to give a relative formula mass of 160

## Key terms

- [relative formula mass](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/relative-formula-mass)
- [relative atomic mass](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/relative-atomic-mass)

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- [How to answer "State and Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/copper-ii-sulfate-has-the-formula-cuso-4fe51820) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.