Which of the following represents the formula for phosphate?

The formula for phosphate is represented by PO4(3-). This indicates that phosphate consists of one phosphorus atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms and carries a negative three charge. This is a key characteristic of the phosphate ion, which is commonly involved in biological systems, such as in DNA and ATP, and is important in environmental and chemical contexts.

Phosphate ions are important in the context of acid-base chemistry and serve as reactants in various biochemical pathways. The presence of the -3 charge denotes that the ion can interact with other positively charged species, making it a crucial player in ionic compounds.

The other choices represent different polyatomic ions:

• SO4(2-) denotes sulfate, which consists of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.

• CrO4(2-) represents chromate, containing one chromium atom and four oxygen atoms.

• C2O4(2-) is the oxalate ion, which consists of two carbon atoms and four oxygen atoms.

Each of these ions has different properties and uses, making them distinct from phosphate, both in their chemical makeup and their roles in chemical reactions.