Here's how to figure that out:
The balanced chemical equation:
4 P + 3 O₂ → 2 P₂O₃
Explanation:
* Reactants:
* Phosphorus (P)
* Oxygen (O₂)
* Product:
* Phosphorus trioxide (P₂O₃)
* Coefficients:
* 4 is the coefficient for phosphorus (P).
* 3 is the coefficient for oxygen (O₂). This is the coefficient you're looking for.
* 2 is the coefficient for phosphorus trioxide (P₂O₃).
Therefore, the coefficient of oxygen in the reaction forming phosphorus trioxide from phosphorus and oxygen is 3.