Which ion carries a 3- charge?

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Multiple Choice

Which ion carries a 3- charge?

Explanation:
Understanding the charges of common polyatomic ions helps predict their behavior in reactions. Phosphate, with the formula PO4^3−, carries a −3 charge. This arises because the ion is formed when phosphoric acid loses three protons, leaving three negative charges balanced by the oxygen framework. In contrast, sulfate (SO4^2−) and sulfite (SO3^2−) each have a −2 charge, and nitrate (NO3^−) has a −1 charge. So the ion that carries a 3− charge is phosphate.

Understanding the charges of common polyatomic ions helps predict their behavior in reactions. Phosphate, with the formula PO4^3−, carries a −3 charge. This arises because the ion is formed when phosphoric acid loses three protons, leaving three negative charges balanced by the oxygen framework. In contrast, sulfate (SO4^2−) and sulfite (SO3^2−) each have a −2 charge, and nitrate (NO3^−) has a −1 charge. So the ion that carries a 3− charge is phosphate.

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