1. Identify the elements and their atomic masses:
* Hydrogen (H): 1.008 u
* Phosphorus (P): 30.974 u
* Oxygen (O): 15.999 u
2. Count the number of atoms of each element in the formula:
* H: 3 atoms
* P: 1 atom
* O: 4 atoms
3. Multiply the atomic mass of each element by its number of atoms:
* Hydrogen: 1.008 u/atom * 3 atoms = 3.024 u
* Phosphorus: 30.974 u/atom * 1 atom = 30.974 u
* Oxygen: 15.999 u/atom * 4 atoms = 63.996 u
4. Add the results to get the relative atomic mass of phosphoric acid:
* 3.024 u + 30.974 u + 63.996 u = 97.994 u
Therefore, the relative atomic mass of phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is approximately 97.994 u.