Which of the following is the correctly balanced equation for the reaction between phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2)?

• A. H3PO4(aq) + 2Sr(OH)2(aq) → Sr3(PO4)2(s) + 3H2O(l)
• B. 2H3PO4(aq) + 3Sr(OH)2(aq) → Sr3(PO4)2(s) + 6H2O(l)
• C. H3PO4(aq) + Sr(OH)2(aq) → Sr3(PO4)2(s) + 6H2O(l)
• D. 2H3PO4(aq) + Sr(OH)2(aq) → Sr3(PO4)2(s) + 3H2O(l)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the chemical equation: phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2) are the reactants, while strontium phosphate (Sr3(PO4)2) and water (H2O) are the products.
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: H3PO4 + Sr(OH)2 → Sr3(PO4)2 + H2O.
3. Balance the equation by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. Start by balancing the strontium (Sr) atoms. Since there are 3 Sr atoms in Sr3(PO4)2, you need 3 Sr(OH)2 molecules.
4. Next, balance the phosphate (PO4) groups. There are 2 PO4 groups in Sr3(PO4)2, so you need 2 H3PO4 molecules.
5. Finally, balance the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms. With 2 H3PO4 and 3 Sr(OH)2, you will produce 6 H2O molecules to balance the equation. The balanced equation is: 2H3PO4 + 3Sr(OH)2 → Sr3(PO4)2 + 6H2O.