The phosphate ion is denoted as PO3/4−. The “3-” in its formula indicates that it carries a total charge of -3. This charge arises because the phosphate ion has three more electrons than protons, giving it a net negative charge.
Explanation:
- Phosphate consists of one phosphorus atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms.
- In this arrangement, oxygen atoms tend to attract electrons more strongly than phosphorus, resulting in extra shared or gained electrons that contribute to the overall negative charge.
Thus:
The total charge on the phosphate ion (PO3/4−) is -3.