What is the chemical formula for ammonium phosphate?

The correct chemical formula for ammonium phosphate is given as (NH4)3PO4. This formula is derived from the components of the compound: ammonium, which has the formula NH4+, and the phosphate ion, which is PO4^3-.

To achieve charge neutrality in the compound, the number of ammonium ions must balance the charge of the phosphate ion. Since each ammonium has a +1 charge and phosphate has a -3 charge, three ammonium ions will provide a total charge of +3, which balances the -3 charge of one phosphate ion. Thus, the correct combination is three ammonium ions combined with one phosphate ion, leading to the formula (NH4)3PO4.

Understanding the importance of oxidation states and charge balance is key in determining correct formulas in ionic compounds like this, which helps in correctly identifying the formula of ammonium phosphate as (NH4)3PO4.