To determine which characteristic of a base is demonstrated by the given reaction, let's carefully analyze the chemical equation provided:
[tex]\[
CuSO_4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) \rightarrow Cu(OH)_2(s) + Na_2SO_4(aq)
\][/tex]
First, we need to understand the reactants and products involved:
1. Copper(II) sulfate (\(CuSO_4\)): This is a soluble metal salt.
2. Sodium hydroxide (\(NaOH\)): This is a strong base.
When \(CuSO_4\) reacts with \(NaOH\), the products formed are:
1. Copper(II) hydroxide (\(Cu(OH)_2\)): This is an insoluble substance that precipitates out of the solution.
2. Sodium sulfate (\(Na_2SO_4\)): This remains dissolved in the solution.
Here are the characteristics of the bases given in the options:
1. The ability of bases to release sodium ions into solution: This is generally not a key defining characteristic of bases. Also, in the reaction, sodium ions remain in the solution and are not released as a product of a base reaction.
2. The ability of bases to release hydrogen ions into solution: Bases do not release hydrogen ions; they generally accept hydrogen ions or donate hydroxide (\(OH^{-}\)) ions.
3. The ability of a base to react with carbonate or bicarbonate: This characteristic is related to the reaction of bases with carbonate or bicarbonate salts, producing carbon dioxide. However, our reaction does not involve carbonate or bicarbonate.
4. The ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt: This describes a scenario where a base reacts with a soluble metal salt to produce a new compound and possibly a precipitate.
In the given reaction, \(2NaOH\) (a base) reacts with \(CuSO_4\) (a soluble metal salt) to form \(Cu(OH)_2\) (which precipitates) and \(Na_2SO_4\) (which remains in solution). This scenario fits perfectly with the fourth characteristic: the ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt.
Therefore, the correct characteristic demonstrated by the reaction is:
The ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt.
