1. Write the Unbalanced Molecular Equation:
(NH₄)₃PO₄(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na₃PO₄(aq) + NH₃(g) + H₂O(l)
2. Identify the Spectator Ions:
* Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and don't participate in the actual reaction.
* In this case, the spectator ions are Na⁺ and PO₄³⁻.
3. Write the Complete Ionic Equation:
3NH₄⁺(aq) + PO₄³⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → 3Na⁺(aq) + PO₄³⁻(aq) + NH₃(g) + H₂O(l)
4. Cancel the Spectator Ions:
3NH₄⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → NH₃(g) + H₂O(l)
5. The Balanced Ionic Equation:
NH₄⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → NH₃(g) + H₂O(l)
Explanation:
* The reaction produces ammonia gas (NH₃) and water (H₂O) as products.
* The ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) acts as an acid, donating a proton (H⁺) to the hydroxide ion (OH⁻), forming ammonia and water.
* This is a neutralization reaction between a weak base (ammonia) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide).
