(NH₄)₃PO₄ (aq) + 3 NaOH (aq) → 3 NH₃ (g) + Na₃PO₄ (aq) + 3 H₂O (l)
Here's a breakdown:
* Reactants:
* Ammonium phosphate ((NH₄)₃PO₄) is a soluble ionic compound.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is also a soluble ionic compound.
* Products:
* Ammonia (NH₃) is a gas that is released from the solution.
* Sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) is a soluble ionic compound that remains in solution.
* Water (H₂O) is formed as a liquid.
Balancing the equation:
* We need three moles of NaOH to react with one mole of (NH₄)₃PO₄ to ensure that the number of each element on both sides of the equation is equal.
This reaction is an example of a double displacement reaction where the positive and negative ions of the reactants switch places to form new products.
Note: This reaction is also an acid-base reaction where the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) acts as an acid and the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) acts as a base. The reaction results in the formation of ammonia (NH₃), a weak base, and water.
