Final answer:
The polyatomic ion with the formula PO4 3- is called phosphate. It consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms. Phosphate ions are commonly found in compounds such as calcium phosphate and ammonium phosphate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The polyatomic ion with the formula PO43- is called phosphate. It consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms. The charge of the phosphate ion is 3-, indicating that it has gained three electrons to achieve a stable configuration.
Phosphate ions are commonly found in compounds such as calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) and ammonium phosphate ((NH4)3PO4). In these compounds, the phosphate ion remains intact as a single unit and is balanced as a whole.
It is important to note that the number of polyatomic ions in a compound can be indicated by placing the ion within small brackets and writing the subscript outside the bracket. For example, calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) contains two phosphate ions.