Answered

Get reliable answers to your questions at Westonci.ca, where our knowledgeable community is always ready to help. Get detailed answers to your questions from a community of experts dedicated to providing accurate information. Experience the ease of finding precise answers to your questions from a knowledgeable community of experts.

The compound magnesium phosphate has the chemical formula [tex]$Mg_3(PO_4)_2$[/tex]. In this compound, phosphorus and oxygen act together as one charged particle, which is connected to magnesium, the other charged particle.

What does the 2 mean in the formula [tex]$Mg_3(PO_4)_2$[/tex]?

A. There are two elements in magnesium phosphate.
B. There are two molecules of magnesium phosphate.
C. There are two magnesium ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
D. There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

Sagot :

GinnyAnswer
Let's take a close look at the chemical formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] of magnesium phosphate.

1. Understanding the Role of Subscripts:
- The numbers outside and inside the parentheses in a chemical formula indicate the quantity of atoms or ions that are bonded together.
- In [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex], the subscript "3" after [tex]\( Mg \)[/tex] indicates there are three magnesium ions ([tex]\( Mg^{2+} \)[/tex]).
- The subscript "4" within [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] indicates there are four oxygen atoms bonded with one phosphorus atom to form one phosphate ion ([tex]\( PO_4^{3-} \)[/tex]).
- The subscript "2" outside the parentheses indicates that there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

2. Decomposing the Formula:
- Each unit of [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] represents one phosphate ion.
- Since there is a subscript "2" after the parentheses [tex]\( (PO_4)_2 \)[/tex], it means there are two [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] ions in one molecule of [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex].

3. Identifying the Correct Interpretation:
- Since the subscript "2" means there are two phosphate ions in the compound, we can confirm that the correct interpretation is: "There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate."

Therefore, the answer is:
- There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
We appreciate your time on our site. Don't hesitate to return whenever you have more questions or need further clarification. We appreciate your time. Please revisit us for more reliable answers to any questions you may have. Thank you for choosing Westonci.ca as your information source. We look forward to your next visit.