Question

Phosphoric acid, which is commonly used as rust inhibitor, food additive and etching agent for dental and orthopedic use, can be synthesized using a two-step thermal process. In the first step, phosphorus and oxygen react to form diphosphorus pentoxide:

P4(l)+ 5O2(g) → P2O5()

In the second step, diphosphorus pentoxide and water react to form phosphoric acid:

P2O5(g)+ 3H2O → 2H3PO4

Write the net chemical equation for the production of phosphoric acid from phosphorus, oxygen and water. Be sure your equation is balanced.

Answer 1

The net chemical equation for the production of phosphoric acid is 4P + 5O2 + 6H2O → 4H3PO4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net chemical equation for the production of phosphoric acid from phosphorus, oxygen, and water can be written as:

4P + 5O2 + 6H2O → 4H3PO4

This equation shows that 4 moles of phosphorus react with 5 moles of oxygen and 6 moles of water to produce 4 moles of phosphoric acid.

Answer 2

P4(l) + 5O2(g) + 6H2O(l) → 4H3PO4(aq)

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1

P4(l)+ 5O2(g) → 2P2O5()

Step 2

2P2O5(g)+ 6H2O(l) → 4H3PO4(aq)

Overall balanced equation;

P4(l) + 5O2(g) + 6H2O(l) → 4H3PO4(aq)

Notice carefully that the correct coefficients were used to balance the equations and obtain the accurate overall reaction equation. All the steps involved were shown above. Reactants that occur on both sides cancel out and do not appear in the final equation.