Question

Consider the following unbalanced equation:
Ca3(Po4)2+H2SO-->CaSO4+H3PO
What masses of calcium sulfate and phosphoric acid can be produced from the reaction of 1.0 kg calcium phosphate with 1.0 kg concentrated sulfuric acid (98% H2SO4 by mass)?

I'm so lost. Please help.

Answer 1

First you need to balance the equation AND look to make sure the subscripts are there. I assume you just made some typos when you posted. This is a limiting reagent problem; therefore, it actually is two problems in one.
1. Convert what you have to mols. mols = g/molar mass.
2. Using the coefficients in the balanced equation, convert mols of each of the starting materials to mols of the product (CaSO4). You will get two values; i.e., one form H2SO4 and one from Ca3(PO4)2. Take the smaller one and convert that to grams of the product.
3. Follow the same procedure for the H3PO4 product.Post your work if you get stuck.