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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.
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