Question

which dot structure is correct for phosphorus?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the group of phosphorus

Phosphorus ($P$) is in Group VA (15th group) of the periodic table.

Step2: Recall the rule for Lewis dot structure

The number of valence electrons is equal to the group number (for main - group elements). So, phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.

Step3: Analyze each dot - structure

• The first structure has 3 dots, which is incorrect.
• The second structure has 5 dots, which is correct as it represents 5 valence electrons.
• The third structure has more than 5 dots, which is incorrect.

Answer:

The second dot - structure (the one with 5 dots around $P$) is correct.