Balance the following equation with the smallest whole number coefficients. Choose the answer that is the sum of the coefficients in the balanced equation. Do not forget coefficients of "one". RbOH + H3PO4 → Rb3PO4 + H2O

3 RbOH + H₃PO₄ → Rb₃PO₄ + 3 H₂O

The sum of coefficients = 3 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 8

Explanation:

Balancing chemical reaction -

The atoms and molecular can never be created or destroyed, they can only be converted from one form to another.

Hence, it is important to balance a chemical reaction.

The reaction can be balanced by adding small whole numbers in the coefficient of the compounds, thereby balancing the reaction.

The reaction given in the question is as follows -

RbOH + H₃PO₄ → Rb₃PO₄ + H₂O

Now, putting respective values in order to balance out the compounds,

Hence, the balanced reaction is -

3 RbOH + H₃PO₄ → Rb₃PO₄ + 3 H₂O