Question

what is the correct formula for magnesium phosphate? a mg3(po)2 b mgpo4 c mgp d mg2(po4)3

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charge of magnesium ion

Magnesium (\(Mg\)) is in Group 2 of the periodic table. So, the charge of magnesium ion is \(Mg^{2+}\), which means it has a charge of \(+ 2\).

Step2: Determine the charge of phosphate ion

The phosphate ion is \(PO_{4}^{3 -}\), which has a charge of \(-3\).

Step3: Use the criss - cross method

To form a neutral compound, we use the criss - cross method. The absolute value of the charge of one ion becomes the subscript of the other ion.
For \(Mg^{2+}\) and \(PO_{4}^{3 -}\), we get \(Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2}\).

Answer:

A. \(Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2}\)