What is the meaning of the symbol below? [PO₄]³^- A) The phosphorous has three more electrons than protons. B) Three oxygens each have one more electron than protons. C) Each of the four oxygens has three more electrons than protons. D) The ion has three more electrons than protons. E) The 3- means that the molecule has lost three electrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symbol indicates an ion with a net charge of -1 (). The presence of ^{suggests an extra electron, while the absence of _and indicates a missing proton. Therefore, the ion has three more electrons than protons, making D the correct answer.}

What Is the Meaning of the Symbol Below? [PO4]3-

What Is the Meaning of the Symbol Below? [PO₄]³^-