Chapter 13: Problem 22

State the following expression in words: \(\left[\mathrm{K}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\right]\)

Short Answer

Expert verified

The chemical formula \(K_3PO_4\) is stated in words as 'tripotassium phosphate'.

Step by step solution

Identify the Elements

The chemical formula \(K_3PO_4\) consists of two types of elements, represented by the symbols 'K' and 'P' which stand for potassium and phosphorus respectively. The 'O' represents oxygen.

Count the Atoms

The number to the right of the chemical symbol indicates the number of atoms of that element in the compound. So in \(K_3PO_4\), there are 3 atoms of potassium (K), 1 atom of phosphorus (P), and 4 atoms of oxygen (O).

Write the Formula In Words

Now the chemical formula can be written in words by stating the names of the elements and the number of atoms. It's important to use prefixes for numbers of atoms above one. Therefore, the formula \(K_3PO_4\) can be written in words as 'tripotassium phosphate'.

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State the following expression in words: \(\left[\mathrm{K}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\right]\)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the Elements

Count the Atoms

Write the Formula In Words

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