What is the correct formula for sodium phosphate? (LO 2.24) (a) Na 3 PO 4 (b) Na 3 P (c) NaPO 4 (d) Na(PO 4 ) 2

Hey everyone. We're asked to provide the correct formulas for potassium phosphate and potassium phosphate. Starting with our first one, we know that potassium has a charge of plus one and we have our phosphate ion which has a formula of P 043 minus. Now. To determine the correct formula, we're going to use our criss cross method where we take one ion and we multiply it by the oxidation number of the other ion and vice versa. So looking at our potassium, this will have a subscript of three, since our phosphate ion has an oxidation number of three and our phosphate Will have a subscript of one and this will be our final formula for potassium phosphate. Next looking at potassium phosphate Again, potassium has a charge of plus one and the ending of I. D. In foss fight tells us we have our phosphorus ion. So this will have a charge of -3. Taking the same steps for our criss cross method. Our potassium will have a subscript of three since we're multiplying potassium by the oxidation number of our phosphorus and our phosphorus will have a subscript of one. And we do not need to write the subscript of one explicitly. And this will be our final answers. Now, I hope this made sense. And let us know if you have any questions

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions

All textbooks

McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions

Problem 14

Previous problem

Next problem

Chapter 2, Problem 14

What is the correct formula for sodium phosphate? (LO 2.24) (a) Na₃PO₄ (b) Na₃P (c) NaPO₄ (d) Na(PO₄)₂

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the ions involved in forming sodium phosphate. Sodium (Na) is a cation with a +1 charge, and phosphate (PO4) is an anion with a -3 charge.

Determine the correct ratio of sodium ions to phosphate ions to balance the charges. Since sodium has a +1 charge and phosphate has a -3 charge, you need three sodium ions to balance one phosphate ion.

Write the chemical formula by placing the cation first followed by the anion. Include the necessary subscripts to indicate the number of each ion in the formula.

Check the chemical formula to ensure that the total charge is zero, indicating that the charges are balanced.

Compare the formula you derived with the options given in the problem to find the correct answer.

Verified Solution

Video duration:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when metals transfer electrons to nonmetals, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. In the case of sodium phosphate, sodium (Na) is a metal that forms a cation (Na+), while phosphate (PO4) is a polyatomic anion. Understanding the nature of these ions is crucial for determining the correct formula of the compound.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together, which carry a net charge. The phosphate ion (PO4) carries a -3 charge, which is essential for balancing the charges when combined with sodium ions. Recognizing the charge of polyatomic ions helps in writing the correct chemical formulas for compounds.

Chemical Formula Writing

Writing chemical formulas involves combining the symbols of the elements or ions in a compound while ensuring that the overall charge is neutral. For sodium phosphate, three sodium ions (Na+) are needed to balance the -3 charge of one phosphate ion (PO4). This results in the formula Na3PO4, which reflects the correct stoichiometry of the compound.

Recommended video:

Writing Formulas

Related Practice

The molecular illustration represents (LO 2.18) (a) a pure element (b) a mixture of two elements (c) a pure compound (d) a mixture of an element and a compound

537

views