Here's the balanced chemical equation:
H₃PO₄(aq) + 2Na₃PO₄(aq) → 3Na₂HPO₄(aq) + NaH₂PO₄(aq)
Explanation:
* Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a triprotic acid, meaning it can donate three protons (H+).
* Trisodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) is a strong base.
* The reaction involves the transfer of protons from the acid to the base.
The reaction can be explained in steps:
1. First proton transfer: H₃PO₄ reacts with Na₃PO₄ to form Na₂HPO₄ and NaH₂PO₄.
2. Second proton transfer: H₃PO₄ reacts with another molecule of Na₃PO₄ to form another molecule of Na₂HPO₄.
3. Third proton transfer: The remaining H₃PO₄ reacts with the last molecule of Na₃PO₄ to form another molecule of Na₂HPO₄ and a molecule of NaH₂PO₄.
Overall, the reaction results in the formation of disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH₂PO₄) in a 3:1 molar ratio.
Note: This reaction is highly dependent on the stoichiometry of the reactants. If there is an excess of phosphoric acid, the final products will be different.