CramX Logo

Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the charge of phosphorus?
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
I'll solve this problem following the specified LaTeX and formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Identify the Element

Phosphorus is a nonmetal element located in Group 15 (VA) of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 15.

Step 3:
: Determine Electron Configuration

The electron configuration of phosphorus is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{3}

Step 4:
: Calculate Valence Electrons

Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons in its outer shell (3s and 3p orbitals).

Step 5:
: Determine Typical Ionic Charge

In most ionic compounds, phosphorus tends to form a $$3^{-}$$ charge by gaining 3 electrons to complete its octet.

Step 6:
: Verify Common Oxidation States

- $$+3$$ and $$+5$$ in various oxide compounds
Phosphorus can have multiple oxidation states, but the most common are:

Final Answer

The most common charge of phosphorus when forming ions is 3^{-}.