Question

Write the balanced equation for the neutralization reaction between H3PO4 and NaOH in aqueous solution

Answer 1

In the neutralization reaction between phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide, the products are sodium phosphate Na₃PO₄ and water H₂O:

_H₃PO₄ + _NaOH $\rightarrow$ _Na₃PO₄ + _H₂O.

In order to find the stoichiometric coefficients (balance the reaction), we first balance the amount of sodium (Na). In Na₃PO₄, there are 3 sodium atoms, so you need 3 for the stoichiometric coefficient of NaOH. Then, balance the oxygen: in 3NaOH, there are 3 oxygen atoms, so you need to put 3 in front of water. Finally, we check the number of hydrogen atoms: 3+3=6 in the reagents and 3·2 = 6 in the products. Now, the equation is balanced!

H₃PO₄ + 3NaOH $\rightarrow$ Na₃PO₄ + 3H₂O.