Complete and balance the following equation for H^3PO^4(aq)+NaOH(aq). Provide an ionic equation and a net ionic equation.

Expert Answers

| Certified Educator

H3PO4 + NaOH. We are asked to provide the ionic equation and net ionic equation. The ionic equation is listing all of the ions in solution in balanced form and the net ionic equation eliminates all of the unused spectator ions. Both of the reagents completely ionize in water. Since H3PO4 provides 3 protons per molecule of acid, 3 molecules of NaOH are required to fully neutralize each molecule of acid. The balanced equation is written below.

H3PO4 + 3NaOH --> 3H2O + Na3PO4

The ionic equation is written below.

3H+ + (PO4)3- + 3Na+ + 3OH- --> 3H2O + 3Na+ + (PO4)3-

The phosphate and sodium ions are spectator ions. The net ionic equation is written below.

3H+ + 3OH- --> 3H2O

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

Already a member? Log in here.

Approved by eNotes Editorial Team