Question

balance this equation- p₄ + o₂ --> __p₂o₃ 2, 1, 3 1, 3, 2 it is already balanced 1, 2, 3

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on both sides

On the left - hand side (LHS): For \(P\), if the coefficient of \(P_4\) is \(a\), the number of \(P\) atoms is \(4a\). For \(O\), if the coefficient of \(O_2\) is \(b\), the number of \(O\) atoms is \(2b\).
On the right - hand side (RHS): If the coefficient of \(P_2O_3\) is \(c\), the number of \(P\) atoms is \(2c\) and the number of \(O\) atoms is \(3c\).

Step2: Balance \(P\) atoms

Set up the equation for \(P\) atoms: \(4a = 2c\). Let's start by assuming \(a = 1\). Then \(4\times1=2c\), so \(c = 2\).

Step3: Balance \(O\) atoms

Now, for \(O\) atoms, we have \(2b=3c\). Since \(c = 2\), then \(2b = 3\times2\), so \(b = 3\).

Answer:

1, 3, 2