Final answer:
To balance the chemical equation H3PO4(aq) + KOH(aq) → H2O(l) + K3PO4(aq), one must ensure the equal number of atoms for each element on both sides, resulting in the balanced equation: H3PO4(aq) + 3KOH(aq) = 3H2O(l) + K3PO4(aq).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is tasked with balancing the chemical equation involving the neutralization reaction between phosphoric acid, H3PO4(aq), and potassium hydroxide, KOH(aq), to form water, H2O(l), and potassium phosphate, K3PO4(aq).
When balancing a chemical equation, it is important to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. To achieve this balance, we need to equalize the number of hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and potassium atoms.
To balance the given reaction, we need 3 moles of KOH for every mole of H3PO4, resulting in formation of 3 moles of H2O and 1 mole of K3PO4. The balanced chemical equation is H3PO4(aq) + 3KOH(aq) = 3H2O(l) + K3PO4(aq).