Why is this an impossible reaction?

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John-ie
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Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:32 am

Why is this an impossible reaction?

Post by John-ie »

Mg(NO3)2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) → Mg3(PO4)2(s) + Na3NO3(aq)

When I try to balance it with the equation balancer it say's it is an impossible reaction but having only 1 Mg works.

Why is there only 1 Mg?

Correct according to equation balancer routine:
Mg(NO3)2(aq) + 2 Na3PO4(aq) →Mg(PO4)2(s) + 2 Na3NO3(aq)
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Xen
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Joined: Thu May 25, 2006 9:13 am

Re: Why is this an impossible reaction?

Post by Xen »

John-ie wrote:Mg(NO3)2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) → Mg3(PO4)2(s) + Na3NO3(aq)

When I try to balance it with the equation balancer it say's it is an impossible reaction but having only 1 Mg works.

Why is there only 1 Mg?

Correct according to equation balancer routine:
Mg(NO3)2(aq) + 2 Na3PO4(aq) →Mg(PO4)2(s) + 2 Na3NO3(aq)
That is you have used an incorrect formula for sodium nitrate, it should be NaNO3:
Mg(NO3)2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) = Mg3(PO4)2(s) + NaNO3(aq)
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