The total number of electrons to be counted for the Lewis structure of the PO₄^3- polyatomic ion is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the total number of electrons for the Lewis structure of the ion, we need to add up the valence electrons of each atom and subtract the charge of the ion.

P: 5 
O: 6 (x1) 
S: 6 (x2) 
B: 3 (x2) 
P: 5 
S: 6 
P: 5 
S: 6 
P: 5 
O: 6 
Total: 60 valence electrons

The ion has a charge of -2, so we subtract 2 electrons: 
60 - 2 = 58 electrons

The correct answer is D (32), which is the closest choice to 58/2 (29 - the electrons involved in bonding) because the 58 electrons counted are not all used in bonding.

The Total Number of Electrons to Be Counted for the Lewis