Balancing Chemical Equations and Ions

In this video, Dr. B demonstrates how to balance the chemical equation H3PO4 + Fe(OH)2. The process involves analyzing the reactants, identifying the number of atoms for each element, and adjusting coefficients to achieve balance. Key strategies include treating PO4 as a single unit and balancing hydrogen and oxygen last. The video concludes with a balanced equation and tips for simplifying the process.

What is the chemical formula for phosphoric acid?

• HNO3

• H2SO4

• H3PO4

• HCl

Which ion is referred to as a polyatomic ion in the equation?

• Hydroxide

• Phosphate

• Sulfate

• Nitrate

How many hydrogen atoms are initially present on the reactant side?

• 8

• 6

• 5

• 3

What is the first step in balancing the equation according to the video?

• Balance phosphate ions

• Balance oxygen

• Balance iron

• Balance hydrogen

After balancing phosphate ions, how many hydrogen atoms are there on the reactant side?

• 10

• 8

• 6

• 12

What coefficient is placed in front of Fe to balance the iron atoms?

• 1

• 4

• 3

• 2

How many oxygen atoms are there after balancing the iron atoms?

• 4

• 6

• 7

• 5

What is the final coefficient placed in front of H2O to balance the equation?

• 4

• 5

• 6

• 7

What strategy is suggested for balancing complex equations?

• Start with hydrogen and oxygen

• Balance polyatomic ions first

• Balance metals first

• Balance non-metals first

What is the balanced equation for the reaction?

• 2 H3PO4 + Fe(OH)2 → Fe(PO4)2 + 3 H2O

• 3 H3PO4 + 2 Fe(OH)2 → Fe2(PO4)3 + 3 H2O

• H3PO4 + Fe(OH)2 → FePO4 + H2O

• 2 H3PO4 + 3 Fe(OH)2 → Fe3(PO4)2 + 6 H2O