Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for magnesium phosphate?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Writing Ionic Compounds
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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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