Na3PO4 ==> 3Na^+ + PO4^-3
The cation is Na^+ (it has a charge of +1) and there are three of them. The anion is phosphate, PO4^-3 and (it has a charge of -3).
what is the cation and anion of Na3PO4?
thanks
3 answers
so they don't have to have equal charge?
They DO have equal charges.
Each Na ion has a +1 charge and there are three of them for a +3 total charge. Each phosphate ion (there is only one of the phosphate ions) has a charge of -3. So the 3 Na ions charge of +3 equals the -3 charge on the one phosphate ion. That is why the compound, Na3PO4, is neutral.
Each Na ion has a +1 charge and there are three of them for a +3 total charge. Each phosphate ion (there is only one of the phosphate ions) has a charge of -3. So the 3 Na ions charge of +3 equals the -3 charge on the one phosphate ion. That is why the compound, Na3PO4, is neutral.
1 answer