To determine the number of phosphorus atoms in three molecules of magnesium phosphate, [tex]\( \text{Mg}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 \)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Identify the composition of one molecule of Mg3(PO4)2.
- Each molecule of magnesium phosphate has the formula [tex]\( \text{Mg}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 \)[/tex].
- In this formula, there are 2 phosphate groups ([tex]\(\text{PO}_4\)[/tex]).
2. Determine the number of phosphorus atoms in one molecule.
- Each phosphate group ([tex]\(\text{PO}_4\)[/tex]) contains 1 phosphorus (P) atom.
- Since there are 2 phosphate groups in one molecule, each containing 1 phosphorus atom:
[tex]\[
\text{Phosphorus atoms per molecule} = 2 \times 1 = 2
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the total number of phosphorus atoms in three molecules.
- To find the number of phosphorus atoms in three molecules of [tex]\( \text{Mg}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\text{Total phosphorus atoms in three molecules} = 3 \times 2 = 6
\][/tex]
So, the total number of phosphorus atoms in three molecules of [tex]\( \text{Mg}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 \)[/tex] is 6.
Thus, the correct answer is:
6
