Here's the balanced chemical equation:
2(NH₄)₃PO₄(aq) + 3Ba(OH)₂(aq) → Ba₃(PO₄)₂(s) + 6NH₄OH(aq)
Explanation:
* Ammonium phosphate ((NH₄)₃PO₄) is a soluble ionic compound.
* Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) is also a soluble ionic compound.
* Barium phosphate (Ba₃(PO₄)₂) is an insoluble ionic compound, which means it will precipitate out of solution as a solid.
* Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) is a weak base that exists in equilibrium with ammonia (NH₃) and water (H₂O).
Key Observations:
* A white precipitate of barium phosphate will form.
* The solution will become slightly basic due to the formation of ammonium hydroxide.
Note: Ammonium hydroxide is often written as NH₄OH, but it is important to remember that it exists in equilibrium with ammonia and water:
NH₄OH(aq) ⇌ NH₃(aq) + H₂O(l)
