Phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl) would likely bond through covalent bonding because phosphorus has a tendency to share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while chlorine is highly electronegative and readily forms bonds by sharing its electrons. Phosphorus, with an atomic number of 15 and five valence electrons, can share three of its electrons with chlorine, which has seven valence electrons and needs one more to reach a stable octet configuration. This sharing results in the formation of a covalent compound, phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃), where each Cl atom forms a single bond with the phosphorus atom. The electronegativity difference between phosphorus (2.19) and chlorine (3.16) also supports the formation of covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds.
Use the periodic table to complete the activity.
An illustration shows the periodic table of elements. The elements in the periodic table are arranged in groups (columns numbered 1 through 18) and periods (rows numbered 1 through 7) such that the atomic number increases along a period from left to right. The elements are divided into the following categories: · Alkali metals · Alkaline earth metals · Transition metals · Post-transition metals · Lanthanides · Actinides · Metalloids · Nonmetals · Noble gases · Unknown The elements are also classified on the basis of their physical states as follows: · Solid · Liquid · Gas · Unknown The element sulfur is enlarged with the following properties. · Chemical symbol: S · Name: Sulfur · Atomic Number: 16 · Atomic mass: 32.06 · Common oxidation states: 6, 4, 2, negative 2 · Electronegativity: 2.58 · Ionization energies: 999.589 · Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p4
In 3–5 sentences, predict how phosphorus and chlorine would bond. Explain why they would bond that way.
(4 points)
5 answers
Phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl) would bond through covalent bonding because phosphorus shares electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while chlorine, being highly electronegative, seeks to complete its octet. Phosphorus has five valence electrons and can share three with three chlorine atoms, forming a molecule like phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃). The difference in electronegativity also favors covalent bonding rather than ionic, as phosphorus is less likely to lose its electrons completely.
Phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl) would probably bond together by sharing electrons, which is called covalent bonding. Phosphorus has five electrons in its outer shell and can share three of them with three chlorine atoms, helping chlorine get the extra electron it needs to be stable. Since phosphorus isn't likely to give away its electrons completely and has a lower electronegativity than chlorine, they end up forming a molecule like phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) instead of an ionic bond.
1 answer