balance equation : PCl5 + 4H2O → H3PO4 + HCl

fist look at the first molecule on the left of the equation, the first atom is P there's 1 mole and looking at the right there is also only one. the look at the next atom Cl which has five mole, on the right there is only one so we put a 5 so we put a 5 in front of the HCl to balance.

so. PCl5 + H2O → H3PO4 + 5HCl

next molecule we look at H on the left there is two and on the right there is 3 + 5 so 8 all together.  so make there be 8 on the right we out a 4 in front of the H2O. 

so PCl5 + 4H2O → H3PO4 + 5HCl

finally look at O, there is 4 on the left and 4 on the right so that is balanced,

double check to make sure there is the same mole for every atom on both side, the left and right.  

so 1P, 5Cl, 8H and 4O and both side so the equation is balanced

CM
Answered by Christine M. Chemistry tutor

14353 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does a higher temperature means the rate of reaction is faster?


Give the reagents and conditions needed to convert a secondary alcohol into a ketone. Name the process which occurs during the conversion.


Technetium is an element commonly used in medicine. A technetium atom is represented as ^99 _43 Tc. Give the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in this atom of technetium.


What is fractional distillation and how does it work.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning