Write a formula for the compound that forms from sodium and Phosphate?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The compound formed from sodium (Na) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) is sodium phosphate. The chemical formula for sodium phosphate is Na₃PO₄.
Explanation:
- Sodium (Na) is a metal that belongs to the alkali metal group in the periodic table. It has a single electron in its outermost shell and tends to lose that electron to form a cation with a charge of +1 (Na⁺).
- Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) is a polyatomic ion made up of one phosphorus (P) atom covalently bonded to four oxygen (O) atoms. The phosphate ion has a charge of -3, which is why it attracts positively charged ions to balance the charge.
When sodium (Na) combines with phosphate (PO₄³⁻), the charges must balance out for the compound to be neutral. Sodium ions (Na⁺) have a +1 charge, and phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻) have a -3 charge. To balance these charges, three sodium ions (each with a +1 charge) are needed to combine with one phosphate ion (with a -3 charge), resulting in a neutral compound.
Thus, the formula for sodium phosphate is Na₃PO₄, indicating three sodium ions for every one phosphate ion.
Formula Derivation:
- Sodium ion: Na⁺
- Phosphate ion: PO₄³⁻
To achieve neutrality, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. Therefore:
- 3 Na⁺ ions (with a total charge of +3)
- 1 PO₄³⁻ ion (with a charge of -3)
This gives the compound Na₃PO₄, which is sodium phosphate. This compound is often found in detergents, fertilizers, and food additives.