Question

How does phosphorus obey the octet rule when reacting to form compounds?


A. It gains 3 electrons

B. It gains 2 electrons

C. It loses 3 electrons

D. It loses 2 electrons

Answer 1

Yes it obeys by

A. It gains 3 electrons

Answer 2

Phosphorus obey the octet rule when reacting to form compounds by gaining 3 electrons.

• This is due to the tendency for singlet bonds to form.
• This is the same as a half bond with only one electron provided by the center atom.
• Phosphorus is a member of the nitrogen group and so contains five valence electrons. As a result, it has a proclivity for accepting three electrons or forming three covalent connections to complete its octet.

#SPJ3