Phosphorus occurs naturally in the form of fluorapatite, caf2 ∙ 3ca3(po4)2. the dot indicates 1 part caf2 to 3 parts ca3(po4)2. this mineral is reacted with an aqueous solution of h2so4 in the preparation of a fertilizer. the products are phosphoric acid, hydrogen fluoride, and gypsum, caso4 ∙ 2h2o. write the balanced equation describing this process.

CaF2 * 3Ca3(PO4)2 + 10 H2SO4 + 20 H2O  ⇔6 H3PO4 + 2 HF +10  CaSO4 * 2H2O

Explanation:

We have CaF2 * 3Ca3(PO4)2 that will react with an aqueos solution of H2SO4  

This will form the following product H3PO4 + HF and CaSO4 *2H2O

CaF2 * 3Ca3(PO4)2 + 10 H2SO4 + 20 H2O  ⇔6 H3PO4 + 2 HF +10  CaSO4 * 2H2O

We have on both sides:

10x Ca

2x F

6x P

84x O

40x H

10x S

The reaction cannot be more simplified

you need to take a look at the periodic system in order to sort these elements into pairs that would most likely exhibit similar chemical properties. first, you need to find elements that are found in the same group (groups are vertical in the periodic system), and then to see whether they have the same valence number. if they meet these criteria, they will have similar properties.

the first pair: ne (neon) and kr (krypton), are noble gases found in group 8

the second pair: li (lithium) and k (potassium), found in group 1

the third pair: s (sulfur) and te (tellurium), found in group 6

the answer is b. dilution