The ion configuration for P^{3-} would have the same electron configuration as which element?

• A. Neon
• B. Sulfur
• C. Argon
• D. Phosphorus

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of phosphorus (P), which is 15. This means a neutral phosphorus atom has 15 electrons.
2. Recognize that the ion P^{3-} means phosphorus has gained 3 extra electrons, so the total number of electrons is 15 + 3 = 18.
3. Recall that the electron configuration depends on the number of electrons, so P^{3-} has 18 electrons.
4. Determine which element has 18 electrons in its neutral state by looking at the periodic table; this element is argon (Ar).
5. Conclude that the electron configuration of P^{3-} is the same as that of argon, because they both have 18 electrons.