What are the balanced coefficients for the reaction: Na3PO4(aq) + AlCl3(aq) → NaCl(aq) + AlPO4(s)?

• A. 1, 2, 3, 1
• B. 1, 1, 3, 1
• C. 3, 2, 1, 3
• D. 2, 1, 3, 2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write down the unbalanced chemical equation: Na3PO4(aq) + AlCl3(aq) → NaCl(aq) + AlPO4(s).
2. Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products. For example, count the number of Na, P, O, Al, and Cl atoms on both sides of the equation.
3. Start by balancing the elements that appear in only one compound on each side. In this case, balance the aluminum (Al) atoms first. Since there is one Al atom in AlCl3 and one in AlPO4, they are already balanced.
4. Next, balance the sodium (Na) atoms. There are 3 Na atoms in Na3PO4, so you need 3 NaCl molecules to balance the Na atoms. Adjust the coefficient of NaCl to 3.
5. Finally, balance the chlorine (Cl) atoms. Since you have 3 NaCl molecules, you need 3 Cl atoms, which means you need 1.5 AlCl3 molecules. However, coefficients must be whole numbers, so adjust the coefficients to 2 Na3PO4, 1 AlCl3, 3 NaCl, and 2 AlPO4 to balance the equation.