Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for ammonium phosphide?

• A. NH4)2PO3
• B. NH4)3P
• C. NH4)2P
• D. NH4)3PO4

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions involved in ammonium phosphide: ammonium ion is \(\mathrm{NH_4^+}\) and phosphide ion is \(\mathrm{P^{3-}}\).
2. Determine the charges on each ion: ammonium has a charge of +1, and phosphide has a charge of -3.
3. Balance the total positive and negative charges to make the compound neutral. Since phosphide has a charge of -3, you need three ammonium ions to balance it out.
4. Write the formula by placing the ammonium ion in parentheses with a subscript of 3, followed by the phosphide ion: \(\mathrm{(NH_4)_3P}\).
5. Verify that the total positive charge (+3 from three \(\mathrm{NH_4^+}\) ions) balances the total negative charge (-3 from one \(\mathrm{P^{3-}}\) ion), confirming the formula is electrically neutral.