To determine the correct chemical formula for copper(II) phosphate, we need to balance the charges of the copper ions (Cu^2+) and the phosphate ions (PO4^3-).
1. Identify the charges of the ions:
- Copper(II) ion: Cu^2+ (indicates a 2+ charge per copper ion).
- Phosphate ion: PO4^3- (indicates a 3- charge per phosphate ion).
2. Determine the ratio needed to balance the charges:
- We need multiple ions such that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge.
- If we have 3 Cu^2+ ions, the total positive charge will be [tex]\(3 \times 2^+ = 6^+\)[/tex].
- If we have 2 PO4^3- ions, the total negative charge will be [tex]\(2 \times 3^- = 6^-\)[/tex].
3. Write the chemical formula:
- By combining 3 Cu^2+ ions and 2 PO4^3- ions, the charges will balance out.
- Therefore, the chemical formula for copper(II) phosphate will be [tex]\(Cu_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex].
The correct answer is:
D. [tex]\(Cu_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex]