Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for magnesium phosphate?
3. Chemical Reactions
Writing Ionic Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between Na^+ and PO_4^{3-} ions?
A
Na_2PO_4
B
NaPO_3
C
NaPO_4
D
Na_3PO_4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: sodium ion (Na^+) has a charge of +1, and phosphate ion (PO_4^{3-}) has a charge of -3.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Since each Na^+ ion contributes +1 charge, and the phosphate ion has a -3 charge, you need three Na^+ ions to balance one PO_4^{3-} ion.
Write the formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: three sodium ions and one phosphate ion, resulting in Na_3PO_4.
Confirm that the total positive charge (+3 from 3 Na^+) balances the total negative charge (-3 from 1 PO_4^{3-}), ensuring the compound is neutral.
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