Question

1. what is the name for the compound na₃(po₄)?

sodium phosphite
sodium phosphide
sodium phosphate
sodium phosphorus
clear all

Explanation:

• Sodium phosphate is a common inorganic compound. The phosphate ion has the formula \(PO_4^{3 -}\). When sodium (\(Na^+\)) combines with the phosphate ion, the compound formed is \(Na_3PO_4\) (sodium phosphate).
• Sodium phosphite has the formula \(Na_3PO_3\) (phosphite ion is \(PO_3^{3 -}\)).
• Sodium phosphide has the formula \(Na_3P\) (phosphide ion is \(P^{3 -}\)).
• Sodium phosphorus is an incorrect name as phosphorus is an element and not used in this naming convention for the compound in question.

Answer:

Sodium phosphate