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

14808 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How many moles are in 50g of NaCl.


What is Le Chatelier's principle and how do you apply it to reversible reactions?


What are the effects of pressure changes for a system in equilibrium.


Explain in terms of structure why giant ionic lattices have high melting and boiling points. [4]


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning