Question

What is the balanced equation for P + O₂→P₂O₅? 4P + 5O₂→2P₂O₅ 4 uppercase P plus 5 uppercase - subscript 2 end subscript rightwards arrow 2 uppercase P subscript 2 end subscript uppercase - subscript 5 end subscript 4P + 5O₂→P₂O₅ 4 uppercase P plus 5 uppercase - subscript 2 end subscript rightwards arrow uppercase P subscript 2 end subscript uppercase - subscript 5 end subscript P + 5O₂→2P₂O₅ uppercase P plus 5 uppercase - subscript 2 end subscript rightwards arrow 2 uppercase P subscript 2 end subscript uppercase - subscript 5 end subscript 4P + O₂→2P₂O

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of phosphorus with oxygen to form phosphorus pentoxide is 4P + 5O2 → 2P2O5. It follows the law of conservation of matter, with a ratio of 4:5:2 for the coefficients, reflecting both molecular and molar balances.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the chemical equation for the reaction between phosphorus and oxygen forming phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), we must ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactants and products side of the equation. This is to follow the law of conservation of matter. In the case of phosphorus (P) reacting with oxygen (O2), the balanced chemical equation is:

4P + 5O2 → 2P2O5

This equation indicates that four atoms of phosphorus react with five molecules of oxygen to form two molecules of phosphorus oxide, also known as phosphorus pentoxide. This is an example of a synthesis reaction and is balanced as long as the coefficients are in the ratio of 4:5:2, constituting the lowest whole-number ratio for the coefficients. Remember, a balanced chemical equation represents both molecular and molar amounts of reactants and products.