precipitation reaction

[lyanx]

I need help writing the balanced equation for a precipitation reaction involving:

CaCl2(aq) + Cs3PO4(aq)

I believe the precipitate combines CaPO + CsCl but I can't seem to get this to balance. I think I am just missing a step.

[lyanx]

OK, so the net charges of Ca + PO4 don't balance so that can't be the precipitate. The problem is I can't figure out what else it could be. Ca and Cl are both soluble and in the reactant PO4 is already combined with the Cs3.

[lyanx]

The precipitate is Ca3(PO4)2. This leaves Cs3 and Cl2 as the spectator ions. However, I still can't get the equation to balance.

[valdorod]

When balancing equations, one of the most important things is to make sure that you have the right formulas for both products and reactants.

Your reaction should look like this

CaCl₂  +  Cs₃PO₄  ------>   Ca₃(PO₄)₂  +  CsCl

try balancing this one and you should end up with coeffients of 3,2,1,6

[lyanx]

That is what I thought. I finally came up with 3CaCl2+2Cs3PO4 becomes Ca3(PO4)2+6CsCl and the automatic grader marked the 6CsCl as incorrect.

[spock]

Since the CsCl is not a precipitate, try writing it as 6 Cs+ (aq)   +   6 Cl- (aq)