Question

Convert the following into balanced equations:When solutions of calcium chloride and sodium phosphate are mixed, solid calcium phosphate forms and sodium chloride remains in the solution.

Short answer

This is an example of the double replacement reaction. All the balanced procedures are given in steps.

$2{\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+3{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to 1{\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+6\mathrm{NaCl}$

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Overall equation.

The balanced equation is;

$2{\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+3{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to 1{\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+6\mathrm{NaCl}$

Above is the final balanced equations.

Step2. Stepwise balanced equation.

1. Starting with the most complicated formula: ${\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2$ By putting 1 in front of it we are now fixing the number of Ca atoms and PO₄groups. ${\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to 1{\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+\mathrm{NaCl}$
2. Balance of Ca: Done by putting 3 in front of CaCl₂. ${\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+3{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to 1{\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+\mathrm{NaCl}$
3. Balance of PO₄: By putting 2 in front of Na₃PO₄. $2{\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+3{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to 1{\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+\mathrm{NaCl}$
4. Balance of Na: By putting 6 in front of NaCl $2{\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+3{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to 1{\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+6\mathrm{NaCl}$
5. Putting Coefficient: Equation will be balanced, by checking Left-hand side and right-hand side total atom balanced or not. Now write the balanced equation. localid="1656649773288" $2{\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4+3{\mathrm{CaCl}}_2\to {\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2+6\mathrm{NaCl}$