How many mole ratios can be correctly obtained from the following chemical equation?

Question

P4O10 + 6H2O → 4H3PO4
a) 1
b) 3
c) 6
d) 9

Answer 1

Although Paul's answer is very well thought out- I believe it is 6 because as he stayed you can have inversed ratios.

P4O10 to H3PO4 or the inverse H3PO4 to P4O10
H2O to H3PO4 and inverse
H2O to P4O10 and inverse
so C.

Answer 2

This seems like a rather daft trick question, that has nothing to do with chemistry

You can get the ratios of P4O10 to H3PO4; of H2O to H3PO4; and of P4O10 to H2O. So that makes 3.

I suppose that's all there is to it. A pedantic mathematician might say that there are 6 altogether, counting the inverse ratios, but I guess that 3 is the answer that is going to be marked as correct.

I keep on saying this on Yahoo Answers; chemistry is a beautiful and challenging subject, and I wish that there were not so many problems given to students that almost seem designed to put them off.

Answer 3

the correct answer to this question depends on how your teacher feels about you as a person. if he doesnt like you then
the correct answer would be the 'other' answer.
at least 9 from what i can see
maybe they are looking for the answer b)3
i would put down 3

but i see nine ratios
for every mol of water there are 2 mols of H
for every mol of water there is 1 mol of Oxygen

for every mole of water REACTED
there must be 1/6 mols of P4O10 reacted
there must be 4/6 mols of H3PO4 produced

thats more than 3 ratios right there

Answer 4

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