Question

Write the molecular formulae for the compound: Calcium (II) phosphate.

Answer 1

Molecular formula:

The molecular formula represents the exact number of atoms of the elements present in the compound. The number of atoms of the elements is written as a subscript.

Explanation:

The ion of calcium $\left({\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}\right)$ is divalent and the phosphate ion $\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-}\right)$ is trivalent. The charge of both the ions will get cross multiplied and become subscript.

Hence, the molecular formula is ${\mathrm{Ca}}_3{\left({\mathrm{PO}}_4\right)}_2$.