The name for $Mg_3(PO_4)_2$ is [a] [b].
[a] magnesium
[a] manganese
[a] magnesium(II)
[a] manganese(II)
[a] dimagnesium
[a] dimanganese
[b] phosphate
[b] phosphite
[b] diphosphate
[b] phosphide
Answer (1)
Identify the cation ( M g ) and anion ( P O 4 ) in the compound.
Determine the charge of the cation: Magnesium always has a +2 charge.
Name the cation: magnesium.
Name the anion: phosphate.
Combine the names: The name of the compound M g 3 ( P O 4 ) 2 is ma g n es i u m p h os p ha t e .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We need to determine the correct name for the chemical compound M g 3 ( P O 4 ) 2 from the given options.
Identifying Ions First, we identify the cation and anion in the compound. The cation is M g (Magnesium) and the anion is P O 4 (Phosphate).
Determining Charges Magnesium (Mg) is an alkaline earth metal and always has a +2 charge ( M g 2 + ). Since the compound is neutral, we can determine the charge balance. There are 3 magnesium ions, each with a +2 charge, for a total positive charge of +6. There are 2 phosphate ions, so each phosphate ion must have a -3 charge ( P O 4 3 − ).
Naming Ions The name of the cation is magnesium. We don't need to specify the charge with Roman numerals because magnesium always has a +2 charge. The name of the anion is phosphate.
Combining Names Therefore, the name of the compound M g 3 ( P O 4 ) 2 is magnesium phosphate.
Final Answer The correct options are [a] magnesium and [b] phosphate.
Examples
Magnesium phosphate, M g 3 ( P O 4 ) 2 , is used in various applications such as fertilizers, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. For example, it can be used as a source of magnesium in animal feed supplements. Understanding how to name chemical compounds like magnesium phosphate is crucial in chemistry for clear communication and accurate identification of substances. This skill is essential in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, where precise knowledge of chemical composition is necessary for effective practice and research.
