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What is the chemical formula for phosphoric acid?

1) H₃PO₄
2) H₂PO₄
3) H₃PO₃
4) H₂PO₃

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct chemical formula for phosphoric acid is H₃PO₄. Therefore, option 1) H₃PO₄ is the correct choice.

The correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phosphoric acid is a triprotic acid, meaning it can donate three protons (H⁺ ions) per molecule in acidic solutions. The chemical formula for phosphoric acid is H₃PO₄. Let's break down the formula:

- "H" represents hydrogen.

- "PO₄" represents a phosphate group, which consists of one phosphorus (P) atom and four oxygen (O) atoms.

So, H₃PO₄ indicates that there are three hydrogen atoms bonded to one phosphate group. Each hydrogen atom can dissociate as a proton in an acidic solution, and phosphoric acid can undergo up to three dissociations to release three protons.

The correct option is 1.

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