Explain why forming Mg(PO3)2 instead of Mg2P2O7 increases the precipitate’s mass.
Adv.
Each mole of Mg2P2O7 contains two moles of phosphorous and each mole of Mg(PO3)2 contains only one mole of phosphorous A conservation of mass, therefore, requires that two moles of Mg(PO3)2 form in place of each mole of Mg2P2O7. One mole of Mg2P2O7 weighs 222.6 g. Two moles of Mg(PO3)2 weigh 364.5 g. Any replacement of Mg2P2O7 with Mg(PO3)2 must increase the precipitate’s mass.