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The compound magnesium phosphate has the chemical formula [tex]Mg _3\left( PO _4\right)_2[/tex]. In this compound, phosphorus and oxygen act together as one charged particle, which is connected to magnesium, the other charged particle.

What does the 2 mean in the formula [tex]5 Mg _3\left( PO _4\right)_2[/tex]?

A. There are two elements in magnesium phosphate.
B. There are two molecules of magnesium phosphate.
C. There are two magnesium ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
D. There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
Let's analyze the chemical formula for magnesium phosphate, which is [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex]. In this formula:

- [tex]\( Mg \)[/tex] represents magnesium.
- [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] represents the phosphate ion.

Now, let's break down the formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex]:

- The subscript "3" after [tex]\( Mg \)[/tex] indicates there are three magnesium ions in one molecule of magnesium phosphate.
- The subscript "4" after [tex]\( O \)[/tex] inside the parentheses combined with [tex]\( P \)[/tex] signifies the phosphate ion, where one phosphate ion consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms.
- The subscript "2" outside the parentheses indicates there are two phosphate ions in one molecule of magnesium phosphate.

To further explain, in the compound [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex]:

- We have three magnesium ions ([tex]\( Mg^{2+} \)[/tex]).
- We have two phosphate ions ([tex]\( PO_4^{3-} \)[/tex]).

Thus, in the given formula [tex]\( 5 Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex]:

- The "5" outside the formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] signifies that there are five molecules of magnesium phosphate.
- The "2" inside the parentheses refers to the number of phosphate ions connected to the magnesium ions in one formula unit of magnesium phosphate.

Therefore, the "2" in the formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] means there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

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