The compound magnesium phosphate has the chemical formula Mg3(PO4)2. In this compound, phosphorous and oxygen act together as one charged particle, which is connected to magnesium, the other charged particle.

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The compound magnesium phosphate has the chemical formula Mg3(PO4)2. In this compound, phosphorus and oxygen act together as one charged particle, which is connected to magnesium, the other charged particle. What does the 2 mean in the formula 5Mg3(PO4)2? A. There are two elements in magnesium phosphate. B. There are two molecules of magnesium phosphate. C. There are two magnesium ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate. D. There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

Explanation:

The compound magnesium phosphate is an ionic compound. Ionic compounds always consists of two ions, a positive ion and a negative ion.

In this case, the positive ion is Mg^2+ while the negative ion is PO4^3-.

The subscript, 2 after the formula of the phosphate ion means that there are two phosphate ions in each formula unit of magnesium phosphate.

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