1. Write the chemical formulas:
* Chromium (III) nitrate: Cr(NO₃)₃
* Sodium phosphate: Na₃PO₄
2. Predict the products:
This is a double displacement reaction, where the cations and anions switch partners. The products will be:
* Chromium (III) phosphate: CrPO₄
* Sodium nitrate: NaNO₃
3. Balance the equation:
The balanced chemical equation is:
Cr(NO₃)₃ (aq) + Na₃PO₄ (aq) → CrPO₄ (s) + 3 NaNO₃ (aq)
Explanation:
* (aq) denotes that the compound is dissolved in water (aqueous solution).
* (s) denotes that the compound is a solid precipitate.
* The coefficients in front of each compound are used to balance the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
This reaction results in the formation of a solid precipitate, chromium (III) phosphate, which is why it's indicated as (s).