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Living by Chemistry
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781464142314
Author:Angelica M. Stacy
Publisher:Angelica M. Stacy
ChapterU1: Alchemy: Matter, Atomic Structure, And Bonding
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Phosphate Ion (PO₄³⁻) Structure and Questions

#### Structure Explanation
The structure of the phosphate ion (PO₄³⁻) is depicted with phosphorus (P) at the center, bonded to four oxygen (O) atoms. One of these oxygen atoms is double-bonded to phosphorus, while the other three are single-bonded with three extra electrons shown as dots. The ion carries an overall charge of 3-.

#### Questions

**i. Why can phosphorus have more than 8 electrons?**
Phosphorus can have more than 8 electrons because it is in the third period of the periodic table, where elements are capable of expanding their valence shells using d-orbitals. This allows phosphorus to accommodate more than eight electrons, unlike elements in the second period.

**ii. As drawn, what is the molecular geometry?**
The molecular geometry of the phosphate ion, as drawn, is tetrahedral. This is due to the four regions of electron density around the central phosphorus atom, consisting of one double bond and three single bonds with oxygen atoms.

**iii. Do you predict that all bond angles in the ion are equal? Briefly explain.**
Yes, in a tetrahedral geometry, all bond angles are predicted to be equal, typically around 109.5°. This is due to the symmetrical arrangement of the bonds around the central phosphorus atom.

**iv. Do you predict that all bond lengths in the ion are equal? Briefly explain.**
No, not all bond lengths in the ion are predicted to be equal. The bond with the double-bonded oxygen will be shorter than the bonds with the single-bonded oxygens, due to the stronger double bond which pulls the atoms closer together compared to single bonds.
Transcribed Image Text:### Phosphate Ion (PO₄³⁻) Structure and Questions #### Structure Explanation The structure of the phosphate ion (PO₄³⁻) is depicted with phosphorus (P) at the center, bonded to four oxygen (O) atoms. One of these oxygen atoms is double-bonded to phosphorus, while the other three are single-bonded with three extra electrons shown as dots. The ion carries an overall charge of 3-. #### Questions **i. Why can phosphorus have more than 8 electrons?** Phosphorus can have more than 8 electrons because it is in the third period of the periodic table, where elements are capable of expanding their valence shells using d-orbitals. This allows phosphorus to accommodate more than eight electrons, unlike elements in the second period. **ii. As drawn, what is the molecular geometry?** The molecular geometry of the phosphate ion, as drawn, is tetrahedral. This is due to the four regions of electron density around the central phosphorus atom, consisting of one double bond and three single bonds with oxygen atoms. **iii. Do you predict that all bond angles in the ion are equal? Briefly explain.** Yes, in a tetrahedral geometry, all bond angles are predicted to be equal, typically around 109.5°. This is due to the symmetrical arrangement of the bonds around the central phosphorus atom. **iv. Do you predict that all bond lengths in the ion are equal? Briefly explain.** No, not all bond lengths in the ion are predicted to be equal. The bond with the double-bonded oxygen will be shorter than the bonds with the single-bonded oxygens, due to the stronger double bond which pulls the atoms closer together compared to single bonds.
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