How to Balance Ca3(PO4)2 + SiO2 = P4O10 + CaSiO3

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to balance the chemical equation Ca3(PO4)2 + SiO2 = P4O10 + CaSiO3. Understanding how to balance chemical equations is essential in chemistry, as it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is followed. Each side of the equation must have the same number of each type of atom.

Step 1: Identify and Count Atoms

Before balancing, list all the compounds in the equation and count the number of atoms for each element on both sides.

• Left Side:

  • Ca3(PO4)2:
    • Calcium (Ca): 3
    • Phosphorus (P): 2
    • Oxygen (O): 8 (4 from each phosphate group, and there are 2 groups)
  • SiO2:
    • Silicon (Si): 1
    • Oxygen (O): 2

• Total for Left Side:

  • Ca: 3
  • P: 2
  • Si: 1
  • O: 10 (8 from Ca3(PO4)2 + 2 from SiO2)

• Right Side:

  • P4O10:
    • Phosphorus (P): 4
    • Oxygen (O): 10
  • CaSiO3:
    • Calcium (Ca): 1
    • Silicon (Si): 1
    • Oxygen (O): 3

• Total for Right Side:

  • Ca: 1
  • P: 4
  • Si: 1
  • O: 13 (10 from P4O10 + 3 from CaSiO3)

Step 2: Adjust Coefficients to Balance

Start adjusting the coefficients of the compounds to balance the atoms on both sides.

1. Balance Phosphorus (P):

   • The left side has 2 P atoms, while the right side has 4. To balance, place a coefficient of 2 in front of Ca3(PO4)2:
     • Ca3(PO4)2 becomes 2 Ca3(PO4)2.

2. Recount the Atoms:

   • Left Side:
     • Ca: 6 (2 × 3)
     • P: 4 (2 × 2)
     • O: 16 (2 × 8)
   • Right Side:
     • Ca: 1
     • P: 4
     • Si: 1
     • O: 13

3. Balance Calcium (Ca):

   • The left side has 6 Ca atoms. Adjust the coefficient of CaSiO3 to 6:
     • CaSiO3 becomes 6 CaSiO3.

4. Recount the Atoms Again:

   • Left Side:
     • Ca: 6
     • P: 4
     • O: 16
   • Right Side:
     • Ca: 6 (6 × 1)
     • P: 4
     • Si: 6 (6 × 1)
     • O: 21 (10 from P4O10 + 6 from 6 CaSiO3)

5. Balance Silicon (Si):

   • Adjust the coefficient of SiO2 to 6 to balance Si:
     • SiO2 becomes 6 SiO2.

6. Final Count:

   • Left Side:
     • Ca: 6
     • P: 4
     • Si: 6
     • O: 24 (16 from 2 Ca3(PO4)2 + 12 from 6 SiO2)
   • Right Side:
     • Ca: 6
     • P: 4
     • Si: 6
     • O: 24 (10 from P4O10 + 18 from 6 CaSiO3)

Step 3: Write the Balanced Equation

Now that all atoms are balanced, write the final balanced equation:

2 Ca3(PO4)2 + 6 SiO2 = P4O10 + 6 CaSiO3

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations involves careful counting and adjusting of coefficients. Remember to only change coefficients, not subscripts, and ensure that the number of each atom is the same on both sides of the equation. Practice with other equations to strengthen your understanding!