Question

The chloride of a metal has the formula $MC{l}_3$. The formula of its phosphate will be:

• A. $M_{2}P{O}_4$
• B. $MP{O}_4$
• C. $M_{3}P{O}_4$
• D. $M(P{O}_4{)}_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$MP{O}_4$

Valency of chlorine is $-1$. Hence, the valence of metal in the given compound $MC{l}_3$ is +3. Valency of phosphate ion $\left(P{O}_4^{3-}\right)$ is $-3$. By cross multiplication method, the formula of the given compound is $MP{O}_4$, as valency of both is same and they combine in unit ratio.