Question
Plants need phosphate. Although phosphate rock [(CaF)Ca4(PO4)3] is used extensively by organic farmers, it does not release phosphate rapidly enough for some agricultural and landscaping
Plants need phosphate. Although phosphate rock [(CaF)Ca4(PO4)3] is used extensively by organic farmers, it does not release phosphate rapidly enough for some agricultural and landscaping applications. Rapid release of phosphate is possible with monocalcium phosphate (CaH4(PO4)2H2O), which is produced by reacting phosphate rock with sulphuric acid and water. Other by-products are Calcium sulphate (CaSO4) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Superphosphate fertilizer is the mix of calcium sulphate and monocalcium phosphate that is produced by this reaction; the HF is not recovered. Write the balanced chemical equation. Calculate the tons of phosphate rock and sulphuric acid consumed per ton of monocalcium phosphate generated and calculate the tons of by-products generated per ton of monocalcium phosphate. If the phosphate rock sells for $128/ton, sulphuric acid for $80/ton, and superphosphate fertilizer for $320/ton, how much profit (if any) can you make?
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