Final answer:
The chemical formula of calcium phosphate is Ca3(PO4)2. Its formula mass is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent atoms, totaling 310.18 amu. Calcium phosphate is significant in food production and is a source of calcium in bovine milk and in bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula of calcium phosphate is Ca3(PO4)2. When calculating the formula mass of calcium phosphate, we must consider the atomic masses of all the atoms present. Thus, for calcium phosphate, which is an ionic compound consisting of three calcium atoms (Ca2+), two phosphorus atoms (P), and eight oxygen atoms (O), we add up the atomic masses to find the formula mass.
To calculate the formula mass, we need the atomic weights: calcium (40.08 amu), phosphorus (30.97 amu), and oxygen (16.00 amu). The calculation is (3 × 40.08 amu) + (2 × 30.97 amu) + (8 × 16.00 amu), which gives us a formula mass for calcium phosphate of 310.18 amu.
Calcium phosphate is not only an important anti-caking agent in food products but also a principal source of calcium in bovine milk and contributes to the mineral composition of bones.