Р
+
02
=
P4O6
balance the equation

To balance a chemical equation, both sides should have equal mass, or in other words both sides should have same number of atoms as to follow the conservation of mass rule.

P + O₂ = P₄O₆

LHS:

Number of Phosphorus atoms = 1 atom

Number of Oxygen atoms = 2 atoms

RHS:

Number of Phosphorous atoms = 4 atoms

Number of Oxygen atoms = 6 atoms

Also since P₄O₆ has the most number of atoms we will make the LHS equalize to P₄O₆.

Difference between Phosphorous atoms in LHS to RHS = 3

Since phosphorous is a monatomic we need 3 phosphorous atoms extra

Difference between Oxygen atoms is LHS to RHS = 4

But Oxygen is diatomic, so we need 4/2 = 2 Oxygen molecules

Now lets see if it is balanced

P + 3P + O₂ + 2O₂ > P₄O₆

               4P + 3O₂ >  P₄O₆

LHS:

Phosphorous atoms = 4 atoms

Oxygen atoms = 3 × 2 = 6 atoms

RHS:

Phosphorous atoms = 4 atoms

Oxygen atoms = 6 atoms

LHS = RHS

Therefore the balanced equation is 4P + 3O₂ =  P₄O₆

Happy to help :)

If you need more explanation or help in any other question, feel free to ask

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