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ExamsJEE MainChemistry

In the phosphate ion, PO₄³⁻, what is the formal charge on an oxygen atom that is singly bonded to phosphorus in a P–O bond?

  1. +1
  2. −1
  3. −0.75
  4. +0.75

Correct answer: −1

Solution

The formal charge on an oxygen atom in a singly bonded state can be calculated using the formula: formal charge = valence electrons - (non-bonding electrons + 0.5 * bonding electrons). For the singly bonded oxygen in PO₄³⁻, it has 6 valence electrons, 6 non-bonding electrons, and 1 bonding electron from the P–O bond, resulting in a formal charge of -1.

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