Question

Which is the correct formula for iron(II) phosphate?

1) FePO₄
2) Fe₂⁺(PO₄)3
3) Fe₃⁺(PO₄)2
4) Fe(PO₄)2

Answer 1

The correct formula for iron(II) phosphate is Fe3(PO4)2 as this balances the charges of the iron(II) and phosphate ions by using three iron(II) ions and two phosphate ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct formula for iron(II) phosphate is determined by balancing the charges of the iron(II) ions (Fe2+) and the phosphate ions (PO43-). Since neither charge is an exact multiple of the other, we need to find the least common multiple of the charges which is 6. To achieve a charge balance of 6+, we require three iron(II) ions, and for 6-, we need two phosphate ions. Consequently, the correct formula for iron(II) phosphate is Fe3(PO4)2.