Final answer:
To balance the chemical equation P4 + O2 → P2O5, we must find the correct whole-number coefficient ratio that preserves the mass and atoms of reactants and products. The convention is using the smallest whole numbers possible. An error in the equation's formulation requires correcting the formula for diphosphorus pentoxide to P2O5.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asked relates to finding the correct coefficient ratio to balance a chemical equation, specifically for the reaction of phosphorus (P4) with oxygen (O2) to form diphosphorus pentoxide (P2O5). The correct coefficients are essential to ensure the law of conservation of mass is satisfied. To balance the equation, one would follow the convention of writing balanced chemical equations using the lowest whole-number ratio.
For example, when balancing the equation for the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water (2H2 + O2 → 2H2O), the coefficients are in a 2:1:2 ratio, and it is balanced as long as the coefficients maintain this ratio. This means we could also write it with coefficients such as 4:2:4 or 22:11:22, and the equation would still be balanced. The smallest whole-number ratio is preferred for clarity.
Therefore, applying this concept to the originally asked equation, we need to balance it with the smallest whole numbers possible. However, an error is in the formulation "P205" which should be correct as P2O5, representing diphosphorus pentoxide.