What is the most common ionic charge of phosphorus when it forms an ion?

• A. +3
• B. -2
• C. -3
• D. +5

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that phosphorus is in group 15 (or VA) of the periodic table, which means it has 5 valence electrons.
2. Atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a full octet, typically 8 valence electrons, for stability.
3. Phosphorus can gain 3 electrons to complete its octet, resulting in an ion with a charge of -3.
4. Alternatively, phosphorus can sometimes lose electrons, but the most common ionic form is when it gains electrons to form P^{3-}.
5. Therefore, the most common ionic charge of phosphorus when it forms an ion is -3.