Sodium Phosphate Formula

The chemical formula for sodium phosphate is Na3PO4, which indicates that the compound contains three sodium atoms (Na) and one phosphate ion (PO4). The phosphate ion consists of one central phosphorus atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms, with a charge of -3. The sodium ions have a charge of +1 each, which balances out the negative charge of the phosphate ion to create a neutral compound. Sodium phosphate can exist in several forms, including monobasic (NaH2PO4), dibasic (Na2HPO4), and tribasic (Na3PO4), depending on the number of hydrogen ions in the molecule. These different forms have varying properties and uses, such as acting as a buffering agent in food and beverage production or as a water softener in industrial settings.