Which of the following is the phosphate ion?

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Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the phosphate ion?

Explanation:
Recognize common oxyanions by their central atom and formula. The phosphate ion is the one with phosphorus surrounded by four oxygens, giving the formula PO4^3- and an overall -3 charge. This combination—phosphorus + four oxygens with a -3 charge—distinguishes it from the others: sulfate has sulfur with four oxygens and a -2 charge (SO4^2-), carbonate has carbon with three oxygens (CO3^2-), and nitrate has nitrogen with three oxygens and a -1 charge (NO3^-). So PO4^3- is the phosphate ion.

Recognize common oxyanions by their central atom and formula. The phosphate ion is the one with phosphorus surrounded by four oxygens, giving the formula PO4^3- and an overall -3 charge. This combination—phosphorus + four oxygens with a -3 charge—distinguishes it from the others: sulfate has sulfur with four oxygens and a -2 charge (SO4^2-), carbonate has carbon with three oxygens (CO3^2-), and nitrate has nitrogen with three oxygens and a -1 charge (NO3^-). So PO4^3- is the phosphate ion.

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