Question

Which is the Lewis structure for H3PO4?

Answer 1

It would be A.

Step-by-step explanation:

A is a possible answer because it has 4 oxygens, 3 hydrogens, and one phosphorous atom.

B is also a possible answer because it has 4 oxygens, 3 hydrogens, and one phosphorous atom.

C has only 3 Oxygens and 2 hydrogens but we need 4 oxygens and 3 hydrogens so we can rule this one out.

D has 3 hydrogens but only 3 oxygens whereas we need 4 so we can rule this one out as well.

The answer is A because Oxygen atoms have 6 valence electrons and the correct bonding is shown in A.

In B, there are only 5 electrons shown in the bonds so it isn't correct.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

• The correct structure of phosphoric acid is A.

Explanation

• P should form five covalent bonds. In this strcuture P form three single bond with 3-hydroxyl groups while one single bondformed with oxygen. As oxygen will form two bonds , it carry negative charge, while P should form five bond but here it is forming 4 bonds due to this P has positive charge but overall structure contain neutral charge due to cancellation of positive and negative charges. Beside this, there are 3 H, Four O and One P according to formula H3PO4.