How many lone pairs of electrons are represented in the lewis structure of a phosphate ion (

Hey

P has 5 valence electrons
O has 6 valence electrons (each for 4 oxygen)
And finally, for every negative charge, there is an additional valence electron

We should add these all up = 5 + 24 + 3 = 32 valence electrons

With this, we can be guided to illustrate the lewis structure as P as central atom and the 3 oxygen each with a single bond with P and 1 oxygen with a double bond with P. We place the valence electrons until octet rule is satisfied,
we will be left with 12 lone pairs for phosphate ion.

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