Answer :
To understand what the "2" means in the chemical formula [tex]\(5 \, Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex], let's break down the formula:
1. Chemical Formula Structure:
- [tex]\(Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex] is the formula for one unit of magnesium phosphate.
- The “3” next to Mg means there are three magnesium (Mg) atoms in one molecule of magnesium phosphate.
- The “2” outside the parentheses applies to everything inside the parentheses, which includes the phosphate group (PO[tex]\(_4\)[/tex]).
2. Understanding the Parentheses in [tex]\(Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex]:
- The "(PO[tex]\(_4\)[/tex])" is a polyatomic ion called phosphate.
- The subscript “2” outside the parentheses indicates that there are two phosphate ions in each molecule of magnesium phosphate.
3. Conclusion:
- The “2” in the formula [tex]\(Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex] signifies that there are two phosphate ions in one molecule of magnesium phosphate.
Therefore, the answer to the question is that there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
1. Chemical Formula Structure:
- [tex]\(Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex] is the formula for one unit of magnesium phosphate.
- The “3” next to Mg means there are three magnesium (Mg) atoms in one molecule of magnesium phosphate.
- The “2” outside the parentheses applies to everything inside the parentheses, which includes the phosphate group (PO[tex]\(_4\)[/tex]).
2. Understanding the Parentheses in [tex]\(Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex]:
- The "(PO[tex]\(_4\)[/tex])" is a polyatomic ion called phosphate.
- The subscript “2” outside the parentheses indicates that there are two phosphate ions in each molecule of magnesium phosphate.
3. Conclusion:
- The “2” in the formula [tex]\(Mg_3(PO_4)_2\)[/tex] signifies that there are two phosphate ions in one molecule of magnesium phosphate.
Therefore, the answer to the question is that there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.
