Question

pregunta 10
1 pts
write the formula for lithium phosphide.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine ion charges

Lithium (Li) is in group 1, so it forms \( \text{Li}^+ \) ions. Phosphide is the anion of phosphorus (P), which gains 3 electrons to form \( \text{P}^{3-} \) (since P is in group 15, needs 3 electrons for octet).

Step2: Balance charges

To balance the charges, we need 3 \( \text{Li}^+ \) to balance 1 \( \text{P}^{3-} \) (because \( 3(+1) + (-3) = 0 \)).

Step3: Write the formula

Using the crisscross method (or charge balancing), the formula is \( \text{Li}_3\text{P} \).

Answer:

\( \text{Li}_3\text{P} \)