Which of the following is the correct molecular formula for magnesium phosphate?
  1. MgPO4
  2. Mg3(PO4)2
  3. Mg(PO4)2
  4. MgP
  5. MgP2
Explanation
Answer: Mg3(PO4)2

Phosphate is a polyatomic anion with the molecular formula PO43-, and magnesium typically takes an oxidation state of +2. The simplest way to balance these charges gives the correct molecular formula, Mg3(PO4)2.
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