Hi.

Question

Is PO4(3-) polar or non-polar?
Why or why not?
Thanks!

Look up the electronegativity of P and O. I think I remember that O is about 3.5 and P is about 2.1; therefore, each P-O bond is somewhat polar. Thus, the ion will be polar unless the Lewis structure (electron dot structure) is symmetrical. Do you know how to determine that?
1 P = 5 electrons
4 O = 4 x 6e each = 24 electrons
-charge = 3e
Total = 5 + 24 + 3 = 32 electrons.
We have 5 atoms and the octet rules means we need 40 electrons (5 x 8 = 40); thus, 32 electrons must do the job of 40.

P is the central atom. Place 4 O around it at 90 degrees; i.e., top, right side, bottom, left side. 32 electrons will allow each atom to have eight. Its hard to draw on the computer but here goes.
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp:O:
:O:P:O:
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp:O:
Now place .. above and below each O and that will use 32 electrons. This means we have a tetrahedral structure. That is symmetrical; therefore, the PO4^-3 is not polar.

Answer 1

it is polar

Answer 2

nonpolar according to mastering chem

Answer 3

It is non polar because of the symmetry in its geometry.

Answer 4

NON POLAR OFC

Answer 5

non polar i hope im not late

Answer 6

THIS QUESTION WAS POSTED 2 DAYS AFTER I WAS BORN? NANI

Answer 7

The phosphate ion is non-polar due to its symmetry.

Answer 8

omg wee are same age

Answer 9

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Answer 10

nonpolar due to the convergence of the vectorial arrows when analyzing the VSEPR molecular geometry

Answer 11

It is non polar due to absence of lone pair on the central atom, since it is among of differ btn it and polar.

Answer 12

It is non polar due to absence of lone pair on the central atom since,is the among of the differ btn it and polar.