Question

Use coefficients to balance the following equation: (if no coefficient is needed, use "1", do not leave

any box blank!)

Answer 1

P₄ + 3O₂ → 2P₂O₃

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance an equation we take each element one by one on each side and balance their atoms.

Like P₄ (Tetraphosphorus) in the left side has 4 atoms of phosphorus.

While on the right side P₂O₃ (Diphosphorus Trioxide) has 2 Phosphorus atoms.

So place 2 as a coefficient in front of P₂O₃.

Now Phosphorus atoms (4 atoms) are balanced on each side.

Now number of Oxygen atoms in P₂O₃ = 2 × 3 = 6

On the left left side number of Oxygen atoms in O₂ = 2

To balance Oxygen atoms in each side, place 3 as a coefficient before O₂ on the left.

Therefore, balance equation will be,

P₄ + 3O₂ → 2P₂O₃