Phosphoric acid facts for kids
Phosphoric acid, also called orthophosphoric acid, is a common chemical compound. It is a type of acid. Its chemical formula is H3PO4. This means it is made of hydrogen atoms, phosphorus atoms, and oxygen atoms. You might find it in some sodas or cleaning products. Its official scientific name is trihydroxidooxidophosphorus.
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What is Phosphoric Acid Like?
Phosphoric acid is usually a white solid. It can easily melt into a thick, syrupy liquid. If you mix it with a lot of water, it tastes sour. It is a strong acid, but not as strong as some others, like hydrochloric acid. It does not have any smell. When it is very strong (concentrated), it can be corrosive. This means it can damage or eat away at other materials. The salts made from phosphoric acid are called phosphates.
How is Phosphoric Acid Made?
There are a couple of ways to make phosphoric acid.
- One way is to dissolve phosphorus(V) oxide in water. This method makes a very pure phosphoric acid. This pure form is often used in food products.
- Another way is to react sulfuric acid with a special kind of rock called phosphate rock. This method makes a less pure version. If needed, this less pure acid can be cleaned up to become pure enough for food.
What is Phosphoric Acid Used For?
Phosphoric acid has many uses:
- It is used to make sodas taste sour and tangy.
- It is helpful when you need an acid that won't react with many other chemicals.
- It can be used to make other important chemicals called hydrogen halides. For example, it can help make hydrogen chloride. This happens when phosphoric acid is heated with a sodium halide.
- It is used to clean rust. When phosphoric acid touches rust, it turns the red rust into a black substance called iron(III) phosphate. This black substance can then be scraped off, leaving clean iron behind.
- It can also be found in some products used to clean teeth.
There are also many smaller uses for phosphoric acid:
- A special type of phosphoric acid, made with a certain isotope of phosphorus, is used in a scientific method called nuclear magnetic resonance.
- It works as an electrolyte in some fuel cells. Electrolytes help electricity flow.
- It can be used as a flux. A flux helps metals join together, like in soldering.
- It can also be used to etch (make tiny patterns on) certain materials when making semiconductors.
Is Phosphoric Acid Safe?
Phosphoric acid is one of the least harmful acids. When it is mixed with a lot of water, it mostly just tastes sour. However, when it is very strong (concentrated), it can be corrosive. This means it can damage skin or metals if it touches them. Always handle concentrated acids with care and under adult supervision.
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In Spanish: Ácido fosfórico para niños
