When silver metal is added to a copper sulfate solution, a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction is a classic example of a single replacement reaction, where one element replaces another in a compound. In this case, the silver metal replaces the copper in the copper sulfate solution.

The reaction can be summarized by the following balanced chemical equation:

Ag(s) + CuSO4(aq) → Ag2SO4(aq) + Cu(s)

Explanation:

1. The reactants:
- Silver metal (Ag): This is a shiny, white metal.
- Copper sulfate solution (CuSO4): This is a blue-colored solution containing copper ions (Cu2+) and sulfate ions (SO42-).

2. The reaction:
- The silver metal reacts with the copper sulfate solution.
- The silver atoms lose electrons to form silver ions (Ag+), which go into solution.
- The copper ions (Cu2+) in the copper sulfate solution gain electrons from the silver metal, leading to the deposition of copper metal.
- The sulfate ions (SO42-) remain unchanged throughout the reaction.

3. The products:
- Silver sulfate (Ag2SO4): This is a white precipitate that forms as a result of the reaction between the silver ions and sulfate ions.
- Copper metal (Cu): This is a reddish-brown solid that precipitates out of the solution.

Overall, the reaction involves the exchange of silver and copper ions, resulting in the formation of silver sulfate and copper metal. The blue color of the copper sulfate solution fades as the reaction progresses, and a reddish-brown solid is observed as copper metal is deposited.

This reaction can be used to demonstrate the reactivity series of metals. Copper is less reactive than silver, so silver can displace copper from its compound. The reaction also highlights the principle of conservation of mass, as the total number of atoms on both sides of the equation remains the same.

In conclusion, when silver metal is added to a copper sulfate solution, a single replacement reaction occurs, resulting in the formation of silver sulfate and copper metal. This reaction can be summarized by the balanced chemical equation: Ag(s) + CuSO4(aq) → Ag2SO4(aq) + Cu(s).