To determine the correct chemical formula for the compound copper(II) phosphate, we start by breaking down the components and their charges.
1. Identify the ions and their respective charges:
- Copper(II) ion, Cu²⁺: The roman numeral II indicates that copper has a charge of +2.
- Phosphate ion, PO₄³⁻: The phosphate ion carries a -3 charge.
2. Balance the charges:
- We need the total positive charge to equal the total negative charge so the compound is electrically neutral.
- The charge on Cu²⁺ is +2, and the charge on PO₄³⁻ is -3.
3. Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the charges:
- The LCM of 2 and 3 is 6.
4. Determine the ratio of ions:
- To achieve a total charge of 6+, we need 3 Cu²⁺ ions (3 +2 = +6).
- To achieve a total charge of 6-, we need 2 PO₄³⁻ ions (2 -3 = -6).
5. Write the formula:
- Place the correct quantity of each ion together: 3 copper(II) ions and 2 phosphate ions. This gives us the formula Cu₃(PO₄)₂.
6. Match the answer with the options:
- The correct match from the given options is:
B. [tex]\( Cu_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is option B: [tex]\( Cu_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex].
