Question

Which statement correctly describes the phosphate ion, PO3-/4?

It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a –3 charge distributed over the entire ion.

It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a –3 charge on the phosphorus atom.

It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a –3 charge distributed over the entire ion.

It is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a –3 charge on the phosphorus atom.

Answer 1

B is not the correct answer. The -3 charge is distributed over the entire ion, so the correct answer is A.