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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for ammonium phosphate?
A
NH4)3PO4
B
(NH4)2PO4
C
NH4PO4
D
(NH4)3PO4
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions involved: ammonium ion is NH4\^+ and phosphate ion is PO4\^{3-}.
Determine the charges on each ion: ammonium has a charge of +1, phosphate has a charge of -3.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to make a neutral compound. Since phosphate has a -3 charge, you need three ammonium ions (each +1) to balance it.
Write the formula by placing the ammonium ion in parentheses with a subscript 3 to indicate three ammonium ions, followed by the phosphate ion: (NH4)3PO4.
Verify that the total positive charge (+3 from three NH4\^+) balances the total negative charge (-3 from one PO4\^{3-}), confirming the formula is electrically neutral.