Question

Using chemical equations, show how the triprotic acid H3PO4 ionizes in water. Phases, such as (l) or (aq), are optional.

Answer 1

I'm not exactly sure how to approach this problem. Can someone please set me in the right direction?

Answer 2

it ionizes multiple ways:
\[H_3PO_4 \rightarrow H^+ + H_2PO_4^-\]\[H_3PO_4 \rightarrow 2H^+ + HPO_4^{2-}\]\[H_3PO_4 \rightarrow 3H^+ + HPO_4^{3-}\]