Question

The chloride of a metal has the formula MCl3. The formula of its phosphate will be:

Answer 1

The formula of metal halide is MCl3 it means the valency of metal is +3 suppose it as Aluminium ,then the correct formula for its phosphate will be ALPO4 or MPO4!!!

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

For formation of a neutral ionic compound, the charges on cation and anion must be balanced. The cation is formed by loss of electrons by metals and anions are formed by gain of electrons by non metals.  

In $MCl_3$ metal is having an oxidation state of +3 and chlorine is having an oxidation state of -1. Thus on crossing their oxidation states, they form neutral $MCl_3$.

Thus for formation of metal phosphate, metal with oxidation state of +3 will combine with $PO_4^{3-}$. Thus on crossing their oxidation states, they form neutral $MPO_4$.