What is the formula for potassium phosphide?

1 Answer
Apr 29, 2017

# K_3P#

Explanation:

Potassium almost always has a charge of + 1
Phosphorus has charges of + 3, -3, + 5.
In this case Phosphorus will act as an Oxidizing agent with Potassium. Meaning that it will take electrons from Potassium
resulting in a negative three charge.

# 3 xx + 1 = 1 xx -3# so it will take three potassium ions to balance one Phosphorus ion. So the formula is

# K_3P#