Here's why:
* Rb represents rubidium, an alkali metal. Alkali metals typically form +1 ions (Rb⁺).
* PO₄⁻³ represents the phosphate ion, a polyatomic anion with a -3 charge.
To balance the charges and form a neutral compound, we need three rubidium ions (3 x +1 = +3) to combine with one phosphate ion (-3).
Therefore, the chemical formula for the compound is Rb₃PO₄.