Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for calcium phosphate?

• A. CaPO4
• B. Ca3(PO4)2
• C. Ca2(PO4)3
• D. Ca(PO4)2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions involved: calcium typically forms a Ca^{2+} ion, and phosphate is the polyatomic ion PO_4^{3-}.
2. Determine the ratio of calcium ions to phosphate ions needed to balance the charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
3. Set up the charge balance equation: let the number of calcium ions be x and phosphate ions be y, then 2x (from Ca^{2+}) + (-3y) (from PO_4^{3-}) = 0.
4. Find the smallest whole number ratio of x to y that satisfies 2x = 3y, which leads to x = 3 and y = 2.
5. Write the chemical formula using the ratio found: Ca_3(PO_4)_2, indicating 3 calcium ions and 2 phosphate ions combined to form calcium phosphate.