In the phosphate ion (), what is the calculated average formal charge on each oxygen atom? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
In the phosphate ion ($PO_4^{3-}$), what is the calculated average formal charge on each oxygen atom?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The $PO_4^{3-}$ ion forms a resonance hybrid where the total charge of $-3$ is equally distributed over 4 oxygen atoms. Average formal charge = $-3/4 = -0.75$.
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