The formula for copper(II) phosphate is A. CuPO4. B. Cu2(PO4)3. C. Cu2(PO4)3. D. Cu3(PO4)2. E. Cu3(PO4)2.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula for copper(II) phosphate is D. Cu₃(PO₄)₂.
Explanation:
Copper(II) phosphate is composed of copper ions (Cu²⁺) and phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻). To determine the correct formula, we need to balance the charges between these ions.
- Copper Ion (Cu²⁺): Copper(II) refers to the copper ion with a +2 charge, written as Cu²⁺.
- Phosphate Ion (PO₄³⁻): Phosphate ions carry a -3 charge, written as PO₄³⁻.
To balance the charges in the compound, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. In this case, we need to find the smallest number of copper and phosphate ions that balance out the charges.
- For every two phosphate ions (each with a -3 charge), we need three copper ions (each with a +2 charge).
- The total positive charge from the copper ions is 3 × +2 = +6.
- The total negative charge from the phosphate ions is 2 × -3 = -6.
Thus, Cu₃(PO₄)₂ is the correct formula because the charges are balanced (total +6 from copper and total -6 from phosphate).
Other options, such as A. CuPO₄, do not correctly balance the charges and therefore are incorrect. Similarly, options B and C are just repeated and incorrect as they have incorrect proportions of ions.
In summary, the balanced formula for copper(II) phosphate is Cu₃(PO₄)₂, where three copper ions combine with two phosphate ions to form a neutral compound.
