Question

which statement correctly describes the phosphate ion, po₄³⁻? it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge distributed over the entire ion. it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge on the phosphorus atom. it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a -3 charge distributed over the entire ion. it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a -3 charge on the phosphorus atom.

Explanation:

The phosphate ion ($PO_{4}^{3 -}$) has one phosphorus atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms. The - 3 charge is delocalized over the entire ion due to resonance and the electronegative nature of oxygen.

Answer:

It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge distributed over the entire ion.