Question

question
what is the formula of barium phosphate?
a. ba₂(po₄)₂
b. ba₃(po₄)₃
c. ba₃(po₄)₂
d. ba₂(po₄)₃

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the ion charges

Barium (\(Ba\)) forms \(Ba^{2+}\) ion. Phosphate (\(PO_{4}\)) forms \(PO_{4}^{3 -}\) ion.

Step2: Use charge - balancing

To balance the charges, we need 3 \(Ba^{2+}\) ions (\(3\times2 = 6\) positive charges) and 2 \(PO_{4}^{3 -}\) ions (\(2\times3=6\) negative charges).

Answer:

C. \(Ba_{3}(PO_{4})_{2}\)