Question

Calculate the formal charge on each atom in PO 4 3- ion.

Answer 1

Formal charge = total no.of Valence electrons - no. of lone pair electrons - 1/2 bond pair electrons

F.C. on P = 5-0-1/2×8 = 1

F.C. on O1 = O2 = O3 = 6-6-1/2×2 = -1

F.C. on O4 = 6-4-1/2×4 = 0 ( Oxygen with double bond)