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QuestionChemistry

What is the most common ion charge for phosphorus? A. + 5 B. + 3 C. - 3 D. - 1
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Step 1:

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Step 2:

To reach the nearest noble gas configuration, phosphorus needs to gain three electrons to achieve the electron configuration of argon (Ar): \begin{align*} \text{Phosphorus (P):} & \quad 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^3 \ \text{Argon (Ar):} & \quad 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^6 \end{align*}

Step 3:

Gaining three electrons results in a + 3 ion charge for phosphorus: \text{Phosphorus ion (P}^{3 +}\text{):} \quad 1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2

Step 4:

Therefore, the most common ion charge for phosphorus is + 3.

Final Answer

The most common ion charge for phosphorus is + 3 (option B).