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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound Mg_3(PO_4)_2?
A
Magnesium diphosphate
B
Magnesium phosphate
C
Magnesium phosphite
D
Trimagnesium phosphate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the cation and anion in the formula $\mathrm{Mg_3(PO_4)_2}$. Here, $\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}$ is the cation (magnesium ion) and $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ is the anion (phosphate ion).
Determine the charges of the ions: magnesium ion has a charge of +2, and phosphate ion has a charge of -3.
Check the ratio of ions in the formula to ensure charge neutrality. Three $\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}$ ions contribute a total charge of $3 \times (+2) = +6$, and two $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ ions contribute a total charge of $2 \times (-3) = -6$. The charges balance out, confirming the formula is correct.
Name the compound by naming the cation first followed by the anion. The cation $\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}$ is named 'magnesium' and the anion $\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}$ is named 'phosphate'.
Combine the names without prefixes because ionic compounds do not use prefixes to indicate the number of ions. The correct name is 'magnesium phosphate'.