Question

How many phosphorous atoms are found in three molecules of magnesium phosphate, 3Mg3(PO4)2?

Answer 1

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Since the given formula is $3Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2}$. According to cross method formula, magnesium has +2 charge so, $PO_{4}$ is multiplied by 2.

Thus, 1 molecule of magnesium phosphate will contain 2 atoms of phosphorus.

Therefore, three molecules of magnesium phosphate contains following number of atoms.

• Mg = 9

• P = 6

• O = 24

Hence, we can conclude that there are 6 atoms of phosphorus in three molecules of magnesium phosphate, $3Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2}$.