Question

When lithium nitride, Li 3 N ( s ) , is treated with water, H 2 O ( l ) , ammonia, NH 3 ( g ) , is produced. Predict the formula of the gas produced when sodium phosphide, Na 3 P ( s ) , is treated with water.

Answer 1

Answer : The formula of the gas produced is, $PH_3$ (phosphine gas)

Explanation :

According to the question, when sodium phosphide is treated with water then it react to give phosphine gas and sodium hydroxide.

The balanced chemical reaction will be:

$Na_3P(aq)+3H_2O(l)\rightarrow PH_3(g)+3NaOH(aq)$

By Stoichiometry of the reaction we can say that:

1 mole of sodium phosphide reacts with 3 moles of water to give 1 mole of phosphine gas and 3 moles of sodium hydroxide.

Thus, the formula of the gas produced is, $PH_3$ (phosphine gas)