What is formed when phosphate rock reacts with sulfuric acid?

When phosphate rock reacts with sulfuric acid, it primarily produces a type of fertilizer known as single superphosphate. The chemical reaction involves sulfuric acid acting on the calcium phosphate found in phosphate rock. This reaction results in the formation of calcium sulfate, which is also known as gypsum, along with soluble phosphates. The soluble phosphates formed, including monocalcium phosphate, are important for plant nutrition, making this product particularly valuable as a fertilizer.

This process is significant in agriculture, as the resulting single superphosphate provides a source of readily available phosphorus to enhance plant growth. It is more effective than untreated phosphate rock because the phosphorus becomes more soluble and accessible for plant uptake. The importance of this reaction underlines the role of fertilizers in increasing agricultural productivity.

In this context, while calcium sulfate is one of the products of the reaction, it is not the primary product defined as a fertilizer in this scenario. Therefore, single superphosphate, being the key product of this reaction, is the correct response.