Question

how many total atoms are on the reactants side of this chemical equation? (number only)
3h₃po₄ + 6naoh → 6h₂o + 2na₃po₄

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms in $3H_3PO_4$

For $H$: $3\times3 = 9$; for $P$: $3\times1=3$; for $O$: $3\times4 = 12$. Total atoms in $3H_3PO_4$ is $9 + 3+12=24$.

Step2: Count atoms in $6NaOH$

For $Na$: $6\times1 = 6$; for $O$: $6\times1=6$; for $H$: $6\times1 = 6$. Total atoms in $6NaOH$ is $6 + 6+6 = 18$.

Step3: Calculate total atoms on reactants side

Add the atoms from both reactants: $24+18 = 42$.

Answer:

42