Question

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.

What does the 2 mean in the formula 5Mg3(PO4)2?

Answer 1

The number 2 means that every number in brackets muntiplies with 2

Answer 2

The 2 mean in the formula
`5Mg_3(PO_4)_2` that there 2 phosphates ion in single molecule of magnesium phosphates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Subscript numbers are defined as the number of atoms of each element present in a compound.

Superscript numbers are defined as the charges of ions reacting in a chemical reaction.

The chemical formula of magnesium phosphate is given as:
`Mg_3(PO_4)_2`

The numeral '2' in the subscript out of the bracket enclosing phosphate ion indicates that there are two phosphate ions in 1 molecule of magnesium phosphate. In which two phosphates ions are linked to single magnesium atom.

And numeral '5' in front of
`5Mg_3(PO_4)_2` indicates that there are 5 molecules of magnesium phosphate.Numeral written before the molecular formula of any compound in chemical reaction are also termed as coefficient.