Chemistry

Hi.
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.

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asked by Sally

  1. it is polar

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    posted by faisal

  2. nonpolar according to mastering chem

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    posted by kayla

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

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    posted by Valerie

  4. NON POLAR OFC

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    posted by THOR GOD OF HAMMER

  6. non polar i hope im not late

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    posted by BigManJoe

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

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    posted by omae wa mou shinderu

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

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    posted by DrBob222

  9. omg wee are same age

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    posted by FNAF IS BETTER THAN FORTNITE

  10. ooooooof

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    posted by FNAF IS BETTER THAN FORTNITE

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