Phosphorus and phosphate are related but distinct terms: phosphorus refers to the chemical element, whereas phosphate refers to molecules containing the phosphate ion (PO43−).
Key Differences Between Phosphorus and Phosphate
To illustrate the difference, here's a breakdown:
| Feature | Phosphorus | Phosphate |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Chemical element | Ion-containing molecule |
| Symbol | P | PO43− |
| Nature | An element found in various forms | A salt or ester of phosphoric acid |
Essentially, phosphorus is the element, while phosphate is a compound that contains phosphorus, specifically in the form of the PO43− ion. The reference clearly states: "Phosphorus refers to the chemical element, while phosphate refers to molecules containing the ion PO43−".
