Here's why:
* Calcium (Ca) is in group 2 of the periodic table, making it a +2 cation (Ca²⁺).
* Phosphate (PO₄) is a polyatomic ion with a -3 charge (PO₄³⁻).
* To balance the charges, you need three calcium ions (3 x +2 = +6) and two phosphate ions (2 x -3 = -6).
Therefore, the correct formula is Ca₃(PO₄)₂.