Multiple Choice
What did Mendeleev finally insert into his periodic table to make the arrangement of elements make sense in their locations?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Periodic Table: Charges
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What is the most common ionic charge of phosphorus when it forms an ion?
A
+3
B
-2
C
-3
D
+5
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that phosphorus is in group 15 (or VA) of the periodic table, which means it has 5 valence electrons.
Atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a full octet, typically 8 valence electrons, for stability.
Phosphorus can gain 3 electrons to complete its octet, resulting in an ion with a charge of -3.
Alternatively, phosphorus can sometimes lose electrons, but the most common ionic form is when it gains electrons to form P^{3-}.
Therefore, the most common ionic charge of phosphorus when it forms an ion is -3.
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