what is the formula of tin(IV) phosphate?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula of tin(IV) phosphate is Sn₃(PO₄)₄.
Explanation
To determine the correct chemical formula for tin(IV) phosphate, we need to consider the charges of both ions involved in the compound.
Step 1: Determine the ions and their charges
- Tin(IV) is a metal cation. The Roman numeral IV indicates that tin has a charge of +4. Therefore, the tin(IV) ion is written as Sn⁴⁺.
- Phosphate is a polyatomic anion. Its formula is PO₄³⁻, and it carries a charge of –3.
Step 2: Balance the charges
The overall charge of an ionic compound must be zero. This means the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. To find the smallest whole-number ratio of ions that results in a neutral compound, we can use the method of least common multiples.
- Sn⁴⁺ has a charge of +4.
- PO₄³⁻ has a charge of –3.
- The least common multiple of 4 and 3 is 12.
Now, determine how many of each ion are needed to get a total charge of 12:
- To get +12, we need 3 tin(IV) ions (3 × +4 = +12).
- To get –12, we need 4 phosphate ions (4 × –3 = –12).
These quantities will balance the charges.
Step 3: Write the formula
Write the cation first (metal), then the anion (nonmetal or polyatomic ion). Use subscripts to indicate the number of each ion:
- Tin(IV): 3 atoms → Sn₃
- Phosphate: 4 ions → (PO₄)₄
So, the correct chemical formula is Sn₃(PO₄)₄.
This formula represents an ionic compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged tin(IV) ions and negatively charged phosphate ions. The parentheses around the phosphate group are used because more than one polyatomic ion is needed in the formula.
