Question

what is the missing coefficient to make a balanced equation?
p4 + ? o2 → p2o3
be sure the equation is balanced before entering the coefficients.
3
5
1
2

Explanation:

Step1: Balance phosphorus atoms

On the left - hand side, we have \(P_4\). On the right - hand side, we have \(P_2O_3\). To balance the phosphorus atoms, if we put a coefficient of \(2\) in front of \(P_2O_3\), we get \(P_4+?O_2
ightarrow2P_2O_3\). Now, the number of phosphorus atoms is balanced (\(4\) on each side).

Step2: Balance oxygen atoms

In \(2P_2O_3\), the number of oxygen atoms is \(2\times3 = 6\). Since each \(O_2\) molecule has \(2\) oxygen atoms, to get \(6\) oxygen atoms, the coefficient of \(O_2\) should be \(\frac{6}{2}=3\). The balanced equation is \(P_4 + 3O_2
ightarrow2P_2O_3\)

Answer:

\(3\)