Question

if ba2+ ions bond with p3- ions, which of the following would be the chemical formula of the created compound?

pba2

bap

p3ba2

ba2p

ba3p2

bap2

p2ba

p2ba3

ba2p3

pba

Explanation:

Step1: Determine charge - balance principle

In an ionic compound, the total positive charge equals the total negative charge. Barium ion ($\text{Ba}^{2 + }$) has a charge of +2 and phosphorus ion ($\text{P}^{3 - }$) has a charge of - 3.

Step2: Find the least - common multiple of charges

The least - common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6.

Step3: Calculate number of ions

To get a total positive charge of +6, we need 3 $\text{Ba}^{2+}$ ions ($3\times2 = 6$). To get a total negative charge of - 6, we need 2 $\text{P}^{3 - }$ ions ($2\times3=6$).

Step4: Write the chemical formula

The chemical formula is written with the cation (positive ion) first and the anion (negative ion) second. So the formula is $\text{Ba}_3\text{P}_2$.

Answer:

Ba3P2