Question

How many valence electrons are transferred from potassium to phosphorus in the formation of K3P?

Answer 1

Answer:

This is how the ionic bond forms in Potassium Phosphide (K3P).

Answer 2

3 valence electrons are transferred from potassium to phosphorus in the formation of K₃P.

• Potassium phosphide (K₃P) is made up of two elements- Potassium, an alkali metal, and phosphorus, a non-metal.

• When metals and non-metals combine, they form ionic compounds, that is, metals give away their electrons to non-metals.

• Since potassium is in Group 1, each atom of potassium brings one valence electron. It is evident in the formula K₃P that there are a total of 3 potassium atoms.

• Also, phosphorus is in group 15, which means it has 5 valence electrons and needs 3 more to achieve stability.

• The total number of valence electrons that are given away is 1 x 3 = 3, which is also equal to the number of valence electrons that needed to be received.

• Hence, 3 valence electrons are transferred from potassium to phosphorus in the formation of K₃P.

#SPJ2