Question

In PO₄³-, the formal charge on each oxygen atom and the P–O bond order respectively are:

• A. \(-0.75,\;0.6\)
• B. \(-0.75,\;1.0\)
• C. \(-0.75,\;1.25\)
• D. -3,1.25

Hint:

Average bond order is total bonds divided by number of equivalent bonds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Total charge on PO₄³- is -3, distributed equally over 4 oxygen atoms.
Step 2: Formal charge on each oxygen: (-3)/(4)=-0.75
Step 3: Total P–O bonds =5 (one double bond + three single bonds): Average bond order=(5)/(4)=1.25