What formula represents strontium phosphate?

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Answer 1 · 2016-03-17T18:03:51

#Sr_3(PO_4)_2#

The metal ion Strontium has an ionic charge of +2,

The polyatomic ion Phosphate has an ionic charge of -3, #PO_4^-3#

In order for the ionic molecule strontium phosphate to form a bond the charges need to be equal and opposite.

Therefore, we will need 3 strontium ions

#Sr^+2#
#Sr^+2#
#Sr^+2#

for a total ionic charge of +6
to bond with 2 phosphate ions

#PO_4^-3#
#PO_4^-3#

for a total ionic charge of -6

to form the molecule

#Sr_3(PO_4)_2#