Question

ionic bonding
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which statement correctly describes the phosphate ion, $\text{po}_4^{3-}$?
$circ$ it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge distributed over the entire ion.
$circ$ it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge on the phosphorus atom.
$circ$ it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a -3 charge distributed over the entire ion.
$circ$ it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a -3 charge on the phosphorus atom.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify bond type in ion

The atoms in $\text{PO}_4^{3-}$ share electrons, so they form covalent bonds, not ionic bonds.

Step2: Locate the ion's charge

The -3 charge is a formal charge spread across the entire polyatomic ion, not localized on a single phosphorus atom.

Answer:

It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a -3 charge distributed over the entire ion.