Question

A chemistry student writes the molecular formula for sodium phosphate as na3p1o4. although this version of the formula is acceptable, how is the formula more typically written?

Answer 1

Answer: The molecular formula for this compound is
`Na_3PO_4`

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given a chemical compound known as sodium phosphate. It is formed by the interaction of oppositely charged ions.

The ions forming this compound are sodium ion
`(Na^+)` and phosphate ion
`(PO_4^(3-))`

To know the chemical formula for a compound, we use criss-cross method, in which the charge of the ion becomes the subscript of the other ion.

Hence, the molecular formula for given compound will be
`Na_3PO_4`

Answer 2

Although the formula written by the students is acceptable, the chemical formula of the substance is typically written as Na3PO4. Its name is sodium phosphate. It is more favorable to write it as Na3PO4 since in this way you will know how the atoms are bonded and what ions are involved in the substance.