Question

what is the formula for lithium phosphide? li^{1+} p^{3-} li_{3}p_{3} li_{3}p lip_{3}

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charges

Lithium ion (\(Li^{1 +}\)) has a charge of \(+ 1\), and phosphide ion (\(P^{3-}\)) has a charge of \(-3\).

Step2: Balance the charges

To balance the charges, we need \(3\) \(Li^{+}\) ions to balance the \(-3\) charge of one \(P^{3 -}\) ion. Using the criss - cross method (swap the absolute values of the charges as subscripts), the formula is \(Li_{3}P\).

Answer:

\(Li_{3}P\) (corresponding to the second option \(Li_{3}P\))