Question

When the following equation is balanced, what is the coefficient in front of the NaOH? Li3PO4(aq) + NaOH(aq)→ Na3PO4(aq) + LiOH(aq)

Answer 1

The balanced equation is Li3PO4(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + 3LiOH(aq), so the coefficient in front of NaOH is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the given equation Li3PO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + LiOH(aq), we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. We first look at the polyatomic ions and metals. On the left side, we have one PO43- ion and three Li+ ions. On the right, we have one PO43- ion and three Na+ ions. To balance the Li and Na ions, we'll place a coefficient of 3 in front of NaOH, resulting in 3NaOH.

So the balanced equation is Li3PO4(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + 3LiOH(aq).