Final answer:
The correct formula for calcium phosphate is Ca3(PO4)2 option (e). The formula indicates three Ca2+ ions and two PO43- ions per formula unit. The formula mass is calculated by summing the atomic masses of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms in the formula, resulting in 310.18 amu.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct formula for calcium phosphate is Ca3(PO4)2. This empirical formula indicates that in the simplest electrically neutral unit of calcium phosphate, there are three calcium ions (Ca2+) and two phosphate ions (PO43-).
To calculate the formula mass of calcium phosphate, one should add the atomic masses of all atoms in the unit: three calcium atoms, two phosphorus atoms, and eight oxygen atoms. The atomic mass of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen are approximately 40.08 amu, 30.97 amu, and 16.00 amu respectively. The formula mass would be calculated as follows:
- (3 × 40.08 amu) + (2 × 30.97 amu) + (8 × 16.00 amu)
- (120.24 amu) + (61.94 amu) + (128.00 amu)
- Total formula mass = 310.18 amu