Question

The acid-base reaction between phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) produces water and calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2)). For each mole of calcium phosphate produced by this reaction, how many moles of water are produced

Answer 1

6 moles

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the unbalanced reaction between phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide.

H₃PO₄ + Ca(OH)₂ = Ca₃(PO₄)₂ + H₂O

We start by balancing the elements that are just in one compound in each side of the reaction, that is, Ca and P.

2 H₃PO₄ + 3 Ca(OH)₂ = Ca₃(PO₄)₂ + H₂O

Finally, we add moles of water for balancing H and O.

2 H₃PO₄ + 3 Ca(OH)₂ = Ca₃(PO₄)₂ + 6 H₂O

As we can see, 6 moles of water are produced per mole of calcium phosphate.