1. Identify the Type of Reaction:
This is a double displacement reaction. In this type of reaction, the positive and negative ions of two reactants switch partners.
2. Write the Unbalanced Chemical Equation:
Al(NO₃)₃ (aq) + Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (aq) → ?
3. Predict the Products:
* The aluminum (Al³⁺) ions from aluminum nitrate will combine with the phosphate (PO₄³⁻) ions from calcium phosphate to form Aluminum Phosphate (AlPO₄).
* The calcium (Ca²⁺) ions from calcium phosphate will combine with the nitrate (NO₃⁻) ions from aluminum nitrate to form Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂) .
4. Write the Balanced Chemical Equation:
2 Al(NO₃)₃ (aq) + 3 Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (aq) → 2 AlPO₄ (s) + 3 Ca(NO₃)₂ (aq)
Explanation of Balancing:
* We need 2 AlPO₄ molecules to balance the aluminum (Al) atoms.
* We need 3 Ca(NO₃)₂ molecules to balance the calcium (Ca) atoms.
* We need 6 NO₃⁻ ions on each side, which is already balanced.
* We need 2 PO₄³⁻ ions on each side, which is already balanced.
5. State the Products:
The reaction of Aluminum Nitrate and Calcium Phosphate produces:
* Aluminum Phosphate (AlPO₄): This is a solid precipitate (indicated by (s))
* Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂): This remains dissolved in solution (indicated by (aq))
In Summary:
The reaction between aluminum nitrate and calcium phosphate results in the formation of a solid precipitate of aluminum phosphate and a solution of calcium nitrate.
