Question

Consider the following intermediate chemical equations.

First Equation: 2P(s)+3Cl2(g)→2PCl3(l)
Second Equation:PCl3(l)+Cl2(g)→PCl5(s)
When you combine the intermediate chemical equations, which substance do you cancel out?
a) P(s)
b) Cl2(g)
c) PCl3(l)
d) PCl5(s)

Answer 1

In combining the given intermediate chemical equations, PCl3(l) is the substance that cancels out as it is a product in the first equation and a reactant in the second.

Step-by-step explanation:

When combining the intermediate chemical equations, you cancel out the substance that appears on both sides of the equations. We have the first equation 2P(s) + 3Cl2(g) → 2PCl3(l) and the second equation PCl3(l) + Cl2(g) → PCl5(s). When these are combined, PCl3(l) appears as a product in the first equation and as a reactant in the second equation. Therefore, it cancels out.