What is the chemical formula for Tin(II) Phosphate?
Phosphate is a polyatomic ion with a formula and electrical charge shown here: PO43-
Sn2(PO4)3
Sn2PO4
None of the other answers is correct.
Sn3(PO4)2
SnPO4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct chemical formula for Tin(II) Phosphate is Sn₃(PO₄)₂.
Explanation:
To determine the correct formula for Tin(II) Phosphate, we need to look at the charge of the tin ion and the phosphate ion.
- Tin(II) ion (Sn²⁺):
- The Roman numeral “II” in Tin(II) indicates that the tin ion has a +2 charge. This is important when balancing the charges in the formula.
- Phosphate ion (PO₄³⁻):
- Phosphate is a polyatomic ion with a chemical formula of PO₄³⁻, meaning it carries a -3 charge.
Now, to combine these ions into a neutral compound, we need to balance the charges. The total positive charge must equal the total negative charge in the compound.
- Each Sn²⁺ ion has a +2 charge.
- Each PO₄³⁻ ion has a -3 charge.
To balance the charges, we need to find a multiple of 2 and 3 that will result in a net charge of zero. The lowest common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6.
Thus, we need:
- 3 Sn²⁺ ions to contribute a total positive charge of +6 (since 3 × +2 = +6).
- 2 PO₄³⁻ ions to contribute a total negative charge of -6 (since 2 × -3 = -6).
Therefore, the formula for Tin(II) Phosphate is Sn₃(PO₄)₂, where 3 tin ions balance with 2 phosphate ions to create a neutral compound.
Incorrect Options:
- Sn₂(PO₄)₃: This would suggest two tin ions and three phosphate ions, which does not balance the charges.
- Sn₂PO₄: This formula is incomplete and does not reflect the correct ratio of ions.
- SnPO₄: This formula implies one tin ion and one phosphate ion, which would not balance the charges either.
Hence, Sn₃(PO₄)₂ is the correct chemical formula for Tin(II) Phosphate.