QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
In the compound zinc phosphide, what is the charge on the zinc ion?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Identify the Chemical Formula
The compound is zinc phosphide, which has the chemical formula $$Zn_{3}P_{2}$$.
Step 3:: Determine the Charge of Phosphorus
• Phosphorus typically forms a $$-3$$ charge in compounds
• Phosphorus (P) is a nonmetal in Group 15 (VA)
Step 4:: Calculate the Total Negative Charge
• In $$Zn_{3}P_{2}$$, there are two phosphorus atoms
• Total negative charge: 2 \times (- 3) = - 6
Step 5:: Balance the Charge
• Since the compound is neutral, the zinc ions must have a total positive charge of $$+6
• With 3 zinc ions, each zinc ion must have a charge of + 2
Final Answer
The charge on the zinc ion is + 2 (written as Zn^{2 +}).
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