What is the chemical formula for phosphate?

The chemical formula for phosphate is PO4(3-). This formula indicates that the phosphate ion consists of one phosphorus atom (P) bonded to four oxygen atoms (O), and carries a net charge of -3.

Phosphate is an essential polyatomic ion commonly found in biological systems, particularly in energy transfer (as part of ATP) and in the structure of DNA and RNA. The tetrahedral arrangement of the four oxygen atoms around the phosphorus atom contributes to the stability and reactivity of the phosphate ion in various chemical processes.

In contrast, the other options represent different chemical species. For example, PO3(3-) refers to the phosphite ion, which differs from phosphate in its structure and charge, having only three oxygen atoms. AsO3(3-) represents the arsenite ion, comprised of arsenic instead of phosphorus, while BrO3(-) denotes the bromate ion, which contains bromine and oxygen. Each of these ions has distinct properties and applications in chemistry, but none match the definition of phosphate.