Balance the following equation by entering the correct coefficients.
H3PO4 + KOH K3PO4 + H2O
H3PO4 + 3KOH = K3PO4 + 3H2O
To balance the given equation H3PO4 + KOH -> K3PO4 + H2O, we need to make sure that there is an equal number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
Let's start with the phosphorus (P) atoms. On the left side, we have one phosphorus atom, and on the right side, we also have one phosphorus atom. So, the number of P atoms is balanced.
Now let's move on to oxygen (O) atoms. On the left side, we have four oxygen atoms (from H3PO4) and one oxygen atom (from H2O), totaling five oxygen atoms. On the right side, we have four oxygen atoms (from K3PO4). So, the number of O atoms is not balanced.
To balance the O atoms, we need to add a coefficient to H2O. Let's put a coefficient of 4 in front of H2O, giving us:
H3PO4 + KOH -> K3PO4 + 4H2O
This adjustment gives us 4 oxygen atoms on the right side, which is now equal to the 4 oxygen atoms on the left side.
Next, let's check the hydrogen (H) atoms. On the left side, we have three hydrogen atoms (from H3PO4) and one hydrogen atom (from KOH), totaling four hydrogen atoms. On the right side, we have eight hydrogen atoms (from 4H2O). So, the number of H atoms is not balanced.
To balance the H atoms, we need to add a coefficient to KOH. Let's put a coefficient of 3 in front of KOH, giving us:
H3PO4 + 3KOH -> K3PO4 + 4H2O
Now, we have four hydrogen atoms on both sides of the equation.
Finally, let's check the potassium (K) atoms. On the left side, we have three potassium atoms (from 3KOH), and on the right side, we have three potassium atoms (from K3PO4). So, the number of K atoms is already balanced.
Therefore, the balanced equation is:
H3PO4 + 3KOH -> K3PO4 + 4H2O