Question

select the correct answer:
what is the chemical formula for the compound ammonium phosphate? use the list of polyatomic ions and the periodic table to help you answer.
a. $\ce{nh4h2po4}$
b. $\ce{(nh4)2po4}$
c. $\ce{(nh4)3po4}$
d. $\ce{(nh4)4po4}$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify ions

Ammonium ion: $\ce{NH4^+}$ (charge +1), Phosphate ion: $\ce{PO4^{3-}}$ (charge -3).

Step2: Balance charges

To balance charges, find the least common multiple of 1 and 3, which is 3. So, number of $\ce{NH4^+}$ ions: $3$ (since $3\times(+1) = +3$), number of $\ce{PO4^{3-}}$ ions: $1$ (since $1\times(-3) = -3$).

Step3: Write formula

Combine ions: $\ce{(NH4)3PO4}$.

Answer:

C. $\ce{(NH4)3PO4}$