To determine which statement correctly describes the phosphate ion, [tex]\(PO_4^{3-}\)[/tex], let's analyze each option step by step:
1. Option 1:
- "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."
This statement specifies the composition of the phosphate ion (one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms) and notes that these atoms are covalently bonded. It also mentions that there is a -3 charge over the entire ion, which matches the known properties of the phosphate ion.
2. Option 2:
- "It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge on the phosphorus atom."
This statement is mostly correct about the composition (one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded), but it incorrectly states that the -3 charge is only on the phosphorus atom. In reality, the -3 charge is distributed over the entire ion, not localized on the phosphorus atom specifically.
3. Option 3:
- "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."
This statement correctly mentions the -3 charge distributed over the entire ion, but it incorrectly states that the atoms are ionically bonded. The bonding in a phosphate ion is covalent, not ionic.
4. Option 4:
- "It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a -3 charge on the phosphorus atom."
This statement is incorrect in two ways: it incorrectly states that the atoms are ionically bonded when they are actually covalently bonded, and it incorrectly states that the -3 charge is localized on the phosphorus atom.
Upon careful analysis, Option 1 is correct because it accurately describes both the composition and the distribution of the charge in the phosphate ion.
Thus, the correct statement is:
- "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."
