What is the correct formula for Mg2 plus PO43-?

Answer 1

The correct formula for magnesium phosphate is Mg3(PO4)2. This is because magnesium has a 2+ charge (Mg2+) and phosphate has a 3- charge (PO43-). To balance the charges in the compound, you need three magnesium ions (3 x 2+ = 6+) to combine with two phosphate ions (2 x 3- = 6-), resulting in the formula Mg3(PO4)2.

Answer 2

To determine the correct formula for magnesium phosphate (Mg²⁺ and PO₄³⁻), follow these steps:

Identify the ions involved:

Magnesium ion: Mg²⁺ (charge = +2)

Phosphate ion: PO₄³⁻ (charge = -3)

Balance the charges:

Magnesium has a +2 charge, and phosphate has a -3 charge.

To balance the charges, find the least common multiple of 2 and 3, which is 6.

This means you need 3 Mg²⁺ ions (3 × +2 = +6) and 2 PO₄³⁻ ions (2 × -3 = -6) to balance each other out.

Write the formula:

Place the magnesium symbol first: Mg.

Enclose the phosphate polyatomic ion in parentheses and add the appropriate subscript: (PO₄)₂.

Add the magnesium subscript: Mg₃.

Final formula:

Mg₃(PO₄)₂

Answer: The correct formula for magnesium phosphate is Mg₃(PO₄)₂.