What solid would form when phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is added to milk of magnesia (Mg(OH)2)

The solid obtained when phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄ is added to milk of magnesia, Mg(OH)₂ is Mg₃(PO₄)₂

To determine the solid that would be obtained when phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄ is added to milk of magnesia, Mg(OH)₂, we shall write the balanced equation for the reaction. This is given below:

H₃PO₄(aq) + Mg(OH)₂(aq) —> Mg₃(PO₄)₂(s) + H₂O(l)

The above equation can be balance as follow:

There are 3 atoms of Mg on the right side and 1 atom on the left side. It can be balance by writing 3 before Mg(OH)₂ as shown below:

H₃PO₄(aq) + 3Mg(OH)₂(aq) —> Mg₃(PO₄)₂(s) + H₂O(l)

There are 2 atoms of P on the right side and 1 atom on the left side. It can be balance by writing 2 before H₃PO₄ as shown below

2H₃PO₄(aq) + 3Mg(OH)₂(aq) —> Mg₃(PO₄)₂(s) + H₂O(l)

There are a total of 12 atoms of H on the left side and 2 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by writing 6 before H₂O as shown below:

2H₃PO₄(aq) + 3Mg(OH)₂(aq) —> Mg₃(PO₄)₂(s) + 6H₂O(l)

Now, the equation is balanced. The solid obtained from the reaction is Mg₃(PO₄)₂

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Mg₃(PO₄)₂

Explanation:

This is a neutralization reaction between an acid and a base

The acid here is H₃PO₄

         base is Mg(OH)₂

Every chemical reaction is made up of reactants on the left side and products formed on the right hand side of the expression;

          3Mg(OH)₂  + 2H₃PO₄   →   Mg₃(PO₄)₂   +    6H₂O

The reaction above is a double replacement reaction in which two ionic compounds gives an insoluble precipitate as a product when their ions displace one another in solution.

The solid formed is Mg₃(PO₄)₂