Question

What product(s) are formed during this chemical reaction? (There will be two correct answers)

Ca + Na3PO3 rightwards arrow


CaNaPO3


Ca3(PO4)2


Ca2(PO4)3


Ca(PO3)2


Na


Na3


CaNa


No Reaction

Answer 1

Ca3(PO4)2 and Na

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction equation is;

3Ca + 2Na3PO3 -------> Ca3(PO3)2 + 6Na

We must remember that calcium is above sodium in the electrochemical series. This implies that calcium can displace sodium from its solution. Calcium has a reduction potential of -2.87 V while sodium has a reduction potential of -2.71 V. The ion with the more negative reduction potential can easily displace the other in aqueous solution.

This explains why the reaction above is possible.