Write the balanced equation for the neutralization reaction between H3PO4 and NaOH in an aqueous solution. Phases are optional.

Answer 1

A neutralization reaction is a type of double replacement reaction that occurs between an acid and a base to produce a salt and water as the products. This is because the acid contributes H⁺ and the base contributes OH^-, which together will form H-O-H or H₂O. The PO₄^3- and the Na¹⁺ from the acid and base will now bond with each other to form Na₃PO₄.

H₃PO₄ + NaOH → Na₃PO₄ + H₂O

Looking at this equation, there is 1 Na on the left, but 3 on the right. To fix this, we can add a coefficient of 3 in front of the NaOH.

H₃PO₄ + 3 NaOH → Na₃PO₄ + H₂O

Now that the Na is balanced on both sides of the equation, let's look at the H's. There are 6 on the left, and only 2 on the right. We can fix this by placing a coefficient of 3 in front of the H₂O.

H₃PO₄ + 3 NaOH → Na₃PO₄ + 3 H₂O

If you have any further questions about neutralization reactions or how to balance equations, please ask in the comments, thanks!