Question

What are the missing coefficients for H3PO4 + HCl = PCl5 + H2o

Answer 1

H3PO4 + 5 HCl → PCl5 + 4 H2O

Step-by-step explanation:

The given equation is

H3PO4 + HCl = PCl5 + H2O

The above chemical equation has one P atom on both the sides, hence phosphorus is balanced

There are 5 Cl on the RHS but only one Cl on the LHS. On balancing the chlorine, we get -

H3PO4 + 5HCl = PCl5 + H2O

Now, there are 8 hydrogen atom on the LHS but only two on the RHS. On balancing the hydrogen on both the sides, the new equation become

H3PO4 + 5HCl = PCl5 + 4H2O

Let us check for oxygen

Oxygen on LHS = 4 and oxygen on RHS = 4

Thus, the balanced equation is H3PO4 + 5HCl = PCl5 + 4H2O