The correct formula for calcium phosphide is
a) CaP
b) CaP4
c) Ca3P2
d) Ca2P3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct formula for calcium phosphide is (c) Ca₃P₂.
Explanation:
Calcium phosphide is a chemical compound made of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). To determine the correct chemical formula, it is important to consider the charges of the ions involved in the compound.
- Calcium ion (Ca²⁺): Calcium is in Group 2 of the periodic table and typically forms a Ca²⁺ ion by losing two electrons.
- Phosphide ion (P³⁻): Phosphorus, being in Group 15, forms a P³⁻ ion by gaining three electrons.
Now, to form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Since each calcium ion has a charge of +2 and each phosphide ion has a charge of -3, we can use the least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 3, which is 6, to balance the charges.
- To achieve a total positive charge of +6, we need three calcium ions (3 × +2 = +6).
- To achieve a total negative charge of -6, we need two phosphide ions (2 × -3 = -6).
Therefore, the formula for calcium phosphide is Ca₃P₂.
To summarize:
- The calcium ion (Ca²⁺) pairs with the phosphide ion (P³⁻) in a 3:2 ratio to ensure the compound is electrically neutral.
- The correct chemical formula for calcium phosphide is Ca₃P₂.
Let me generate the image to visually represent this.
Here is the diagram of calcium phosphide (Ca₃P₂), showing the arrangement of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and phosphide ions (P³⁻) in a 3:2 ratio. This visual helps to understand how the ions combine to form a neutral compound.
