What is the lithium phosphate formula?

The formula for lithium phosphate is derived from the combination of lithium ions and phosphate ions. Lithium is an alkali metal with a +1 charge, and its chemical symbol is Li. Phosphate is a polyatomic ion with a chemical formula of \(PO_4\) and a -3 charge. To determine the formula for lithium phosphate, we must balance the charges of these ions to ensure the compound is electrically neutral.

Here is a step-by-step process to determine the formula for lithium phosphate:

1. Identify the ions involved:

- Lithium ion \((Li^+)\) has a +1 charge.

- Phosphate ion \((PO_4^{3-})\) has a -3 charge.

2. Determine the lowest common multiple of the charges:

- Since lithium has a +1 charge and phosphate has a -3 charge, the lowest common multiple of 1 and 3 is 3.

3. Balance the charges:

- To balance the -3 charge of the phosphate ion, we need three lithium ions, each with a +1 charge.

- The total positive charge from the lithium ions (+3) will balance the negative charge of a single phosphate ion (-3).

4. Write the formula:

- Combine the ions in a ratio that neutralizes the overall charge.

- The formula for lithium phosphate is \(Li_3PO_4\), indicating that three lithium ions combine with one phosphate ion to form the compound.

In summary, the balanced chemical formula for lithium phosphate is \(Li_3PO_4\), which reflects the stoichiometry of the ions that combine to form a neutral compound.