Let's take a close look at the chemical formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] of magnesium phosphate.
1. Understanding the Role of Subscripts:
- The numbers outside and inside the parentheses in a chemical formula indicate the quantity of atoms or ions that are bonded together.
- In [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex], the subscript "3" after [tex]\( Mg \)[/tex] indicates there are three magnesium ions ([tex]\( Mg^{2+} \)[/tex]).
- The subscript "4" within [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] indicates there are four oxygen atoms bonded with one phosphorus atom to form one phosphate ion ([tex]\( PO_4^{3-} \)[/tex]).
- The subscript "2" outside the parentheses indicates that there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
2. Decomposing the Formula:
- Each unit of [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] represents one phosphate ion.
- Since there is a subscript "2" after the parentheses [tex]\( (PO_4)_2 \)[/tex], it means there are two [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] ions in one molecule of [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex].
3. Identifying the Correct Interpretation:
- Since the subscript "2" means there are two phosphate ions in the compound, we can confirm that the correct interpretation is: "There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate."
Therefore, the answer is:
- There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
