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The compound magnesium phosphate has the chemical formula [tex]$Mg_3(PO_4)_2$[/tex].

What does the "2" mean in the formula [tex]$5 Mg_3(PO_4)_2$[/tex]?

A. There are two elements in magnesium phosphate.

B. There are two molecules of magnesium phosphate.

C. There are two magnesium ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

D. There are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

Answer :

To understand what the "2" means in the chemical formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex], let's break down the formula:

1. Chemical Formula Breakdown: The formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] represents magnesium phosphate.
- [tex]\( Mg \)[/tex] stands for magnesium.
- [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex] stands for the phosphate ion, which is a polyatomic ion consisting of one phosphorus (P) atom and four oxygen (O) atoms.

2. Subscript Explanation:
- The subscript "3" next to [tex]\( Mg \)[/tex] indicates there are three magnesium ions in the compound.
- The entire [tex]\( (PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] means that there are two phosphate ions in the compound. The subscript "2" applies to everything inside the parentheses, which is the [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex].

3. Understanding the Components:
- For the phosphate ion [tex]\( PO_4 \)[/tex], the subscript "4" indicates four oxygen atoms are bonded to one phosphorus atom.
- The subscript "2" after the parentheses [tex]\( (PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] tells us that there are two phosphate groups in the formula.

Given this information, the number "2" in the formula [tex]\( Mg_3(PO_4)_2 \)[/tex] indicates that there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate. Thus, the correct interpretation from the choices provided is that there are two phosphate ions in a molecule of magnesium phosphate.

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