Action of phosphoric acid on rock phosphate produces

ANS:B - triple superphosphate

Triple superphosphate (TSP) is a highly concentrated phosphorus fertilizer produced by treating phosphate rock with phosphoric acid. Here's an explanation of the process and properties of triple superphosphate:

1. Production Process: Triple superphosphate is produced by reacting phosphate rock with phosphoric acid. The reaction results in the formation of a mixture of monocalcium phosphate and calcium sulfate. Unlike single superphosphate, which is produced by reacting phosphate rock with sulfuric acid, triple superphosphate is produced by using phosphoric acid as the reactant. This results in a higher phosphorus content in the final product.
2. Higher Phosphorus Content: Triple superphosphate typically contains around 44-48% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) content. This high phosphorus concentration makes it a highly effective fertilizer for providing phosphorus to plants. Compared to single superphosphate, which usually contains around 16-20% phosphorus pentoxide, triple superphosphate offers a higher concentration of phosphorus in each unit of fertilizer.
3. Solubility: Triple superphosphate is highly soluble in water, which means that it can be readily dissolved and absorbed by plants. This solubility ensures rapid availability of phosphorus to crops, promoting healthy growth and development.
4. Application: Triple superphosphate is commonly used in agriculture to supply phosphorus to crops, especially those with high phosphorus requirements such as fruits, vegetables, and flowering plants. It is typically applied to the soil before planting or during the growing season to ensure optimal phosphorus nutrition for the plants.

Overall, triple superphosphate is valued for its high phosphorus content, solubility, and effectiveness in promoting plant growth. Its production process and properties make it a popular choice among farmers and gardeners for improving soil fertility and crop yields.