Question

what is the missing coefficient to make a balanced equation? p₄ + 3o₂ → ?p₂o₃ be sure the equation is balanced before entering the coefficients. 1 6 2 3

Explanation:

Step1: Count phosphorus atoms on left - hand side

On the left - hand side of the equation $\text{P}_4 + 3\text{O}_2
ightarrow?\text{P}_2\text{O}_3$, the number of phosphorus atoms in $\text{P}_4$ is 4.

Step2: Determine coefficient for $\text{P}_2\text{O}_3$ to balance phosphorus

Let the coefficient of $\text{P}_2\text{O}_3$ be $x$. The number of phosphorus atoms in $x\text{P}_2\text{O}_3$ is $2x$. To balance the phosphorus atoms, we set $2x = 4$, so $x = 2$.

Step3: Check oxygen atoms for balance

On the left - hand side, the number of oxygen atoms in $3\text{O}_2$ is $3\times2=6$. On the right - hand side, with $x = 2$ in $x\text{P}_2\text{O}_3$, the number of oxygen atoms in $2\text{P}_2\text{O}_3$ is $2\times3 = 6$. The equation is balanced.

Answer:

C. 2