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In Chemistry / College | 2025-07-03

The equation $H _3 PO _4+3 KOH \rightarrow K _3 PO _4 + 3 H _2 O$ is an example of which type of reaction?
synthesis reaction
single replacement reaction
double replacement reaction
decomposition reaction

Asked by nashvillehotfrogburg

Answer (2)

Analyze the reaction: H 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 K O H → K 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 H 2 ​ O .
Check if it's a synthesis reaction: No, it has two reactants and two products.
Check if it's a single replacement reaction: No, there's no single element replacing another.
Check if it's a double replacement reaction: Yes, ions are exchanged between two compounds.
Check if it's a decomposition reaction: No, it doesn't involve a single compound breaking down.
The reaction is a double replacement reaction ​ .

Explanation

Analyzing the Reaction Let's analyze the given chemical reaction: H 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 K O H → K 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 H 2 ​ O . We need to identify the type of reaction based on the reactants and products.

Checking Synthesis Reaction A synthesis reaction involves combining two or more reactants to form a single product. This is not the case here, as we have two reactants forming two products.

Checking Single Replacement Reaction A single replacement reaction involves one element replacing another in a compound. This is also not the case here, as we don't have a single element replacing another. Instead, we have an exchange of ions between two compounds.

Checking Double Replacement Reaction A double replacement reaction involves the exchange of ions between two compounds. In this reaction, the H + ions in H 3 ​ P O 4 ​ are replaced by K + ions from K O H , and the K + ions in K O H are replaced by H + ions to form H 2 ​ O . This fits the definition of a double replacement reaction.

Checking Decomposition Reaction A decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances. This is not the case here, as we have two reactants forming two products.

Conclusion Based on the analysis, the reaction H 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 K O H → K 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 H 2 ​ O is a double replacement reaction.


Examples
Double replacement reactions are commonly used in various applications, such as water softening and precipitation reactions. For example, in water softening, calcium and magnesium ions are removed from hard water by adding sodium carbonate. The calcium and magnesium ions then precipitate out of the solution as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, respectively, while the sodium ions remain in the solution. This process helps to prevent the formation of scale in pipes and appliances.

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-03

The reaction H 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 K O H → K 3 ​ P O 4 ​ + 3 H 2 ​ O is a double replacement reaction because it involves the exchange of ions between phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of potassium phosphate and water. Therefore, the correct option is 'double replacement reaction.'
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04