What is the chemical formula of the compound that forms between lithium (Li) and phosphorus (P)?
The compound that forms between lithium (Li) and phosphorus (P) is lithium phosphide. The chemical formula of lithium phosphide is Li3P.
To determine the chemical formula that forms between lithium (Li) and phosphorus (P), we need to consider their valence electrons.
Lithium (Li) is a Group 1 element, so it has one valence electron. On the other hand, phosphorus (P) is a Group 15 element, which means it has five valence electrons.
In order to achieve stability, lithium needs to lose its one valence electron, while phosphorus needs to gain three electrons. Consequently, lithium will form a cation with a charge of +1 (Li+), while phosphorus will form an anion with a charge of -3 (P3-).
To balance the charges, we need three lithium ions for every one phosphorus ion. Therefore, the final chemical formula for the compound that forms between lithium and phosphorus is Li3P.