Question

Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons. What will happen when it becomes an ion?

a
It will gain 3 electrons
b
It will lose 3 electrons
c
It will gain 5 electrons
d
It will lose 5 electrons

Answer 1

a — It will gain 3 electrons. Phosphorus (5 valence electrons) tends to gain 3 to complete an octet, forming P^3− (isoelectronic with argon).