The reaction below demonstrates which characteristic of a base? cuso4 (aq) + 2naoh(aq) > cu(oh)2(s)+na2so4(aq) a) the ability of bases to release sodium ions into solution b) the ability of bases to release hydrogen ions into solution c) the ability of a base to react with carbonate or bicarbonate d) the ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt

option D. the ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt.

Justification:

NaOH is a strong base, which means that in water it will dissociate according to this reaction:

On the other hand, CuSO₄ is a soluble ionic salt which in water will dissociate into its ions according to this other reaction:

Hence, in solution, the sodium ion (Na⁺) will  react with the metal salt in a double replacement reaction, where the highly reactive sodium ion (Na⁺) will substitute the Cu²⁺ in the CuSO₄ to form the sodium sulfate salt, Na₂SO₄ (water soluble), and the copper(II) hydroxide, Cu(OH)₂ (insoluble).

That is what the given reaction represents:

  CuSO₄ (aq)     +     2NaOH(aq)    →    Cu(OH)₂(s)       +     Na₂SO₄(aq)

         ↑                                ↑                         ↑                            ↑

soluble metal salt       strong base       insoluble base       solube salt

water is used to store them because it would keep the radiation from getting out in the open and causing harm to the workers