1. Write the Unbalanced Equation:
Ba(NO₃)₂ (aq) + K₃PO₄ (aq) → Ba₃(PO₄)₂ (s) + KNO₃ (aq)
2. Balance the Equation:
* Barium (Ba): There are 3 Ba atoms on the product side and 1 on the reactant side. Add a coefficient of 3 in front of Ba(NO₃)₂.
* Phosphate (PO₄): There are 2 PO₄ groups on the product side and 1 on the reactant side. Add a coefficient of 2 in front of K₃PO₄.
* Potassium (K): Now there are 6 K atoms on the reactant side (2 x 3), and we need 6 on the product side. Add a coefficient of 6 in front of KNO₃.
* Nitrate (NO₃): There are 6 NO₃ groups on the product side and 6 on the reactant side (3 x 2).
3. Balanced Equation:
3Ba(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2K₃PO₄ (aq) → Ba₃(PO₄)₂ (s) + 6KNO₃ (aq)
Explanation:
* This reaction is a double displacement reaction, where the cations and anions of the reactants switch places.
* The product barium phosphate (Ba₃(PO₄)₂) is insoluble in water, so it forms a precipitate (s).
* The other product, potassium nitrate (KNO₃), remains dissolved in water (aq).
