QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Phosphorus has five valence electrons and hydrogen has one valence electron. What would be the Lewis dot (electron dot) structure for the covalent compound phosphorus trihydride (PH₃)?
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the problem and identify the elements involved.
Phosphorus trihydride (PH₃) is a covalent compound consisting of one phosphorus atom and three hydrogen atoms. Phosphorus has five valence electrons, and hydrogen has one valence electron.
Step 2:: Write down the symbols for the elements and add their valence electrons as dots around the symbols.
- Phosphorus: P (5 valence electrons) - Hydrogen: H (1 valence electron each)
Step 3:: Distribute the electrons to form bonds between atoms.
Phosphorus needs three more electrons to reach a stable electron configuration (like neon). Each hydrogen atom needs one more electron to reach a stable electron configuration (like helium). Therefore, phosphorus will form three single covalent bonds with the hydrogen atoms.
Step 4:: Draw the Lewis structure with bonds and lone pairs.
- Phosphorus: P:- 3e- - Hydrogen: H:+ 1e- Connect the phosphorus atom with each hydrogen atom using a single bond (one line). Place the remaining electrons as lone pairs on the phosphorus atom to achieve a stable electron configuration (octet rule).
Final Answer
```diff H - P - H
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