Question

Explain why phosphorous has valency 3 or 5

Answer 1

Phosphorus(Atomic no. 15) has its electrons arranged in a configuration of 2,8,5. Now, orbits are stable when they are full. In this case, The outer orbit must have eight electrons for stability in combining with other elements, also known as valency. So one can either add 3 electrons to the outer orbit or take away 5 electrons with equal ease. So Phosphorus has a valency of 3 or 5.

Answer 2

Answer:

The phosphorus has valency 3 or 5 because when the atom gains 3 electrons the orbit is filled or it will lose 5 electrons., the valency is combining capacity of atom

Explanation:

Phosphorus:

• Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15.
• The electronic configurations are 2, 8, and 5.

• Both phosphorus valences (3 and 5) are due to electron sharing alone.
• Phosphorus never loses or gets electrons because the requirement for carbon also applies to phosphorus.
• It is tough to lose 5 electrons while also gaining 3 electrons because the valency is the combining capacity of atom
• The valence shell of phosphorus has 5 electrons.
• If written in an orbital pattern (as in higher level courses), it will be 2s2, 2p3.
• If phosphorus solely uses electrons from p, its valence is 3.
• The valence will be five if both electrons from "s" and "p" are utilized.
• Both are caused by electron sharing and will result in the formation of covalent compounds.

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