Question

identifying the order of chemical symbols
phosphorus trichloride is used in the production of chemicals that keep plants from growing in a specific area. this compound is made of phosphorus atoms represented by the chemical symbol p and chlorine atoms represented by the chemical symbol cl.
which symbol should be written first?

Explanation:

In chemical naming and formula writing, for binary compounds (compounds with two elements), the less electronegative element is written first. Phosphorus (\(P\)) is less electronegative than chlorine (\(Cl\)).

Answer:

\(P\)