How can I write the formula for sodium phosphide?
February 20th, 2023
Sodium Phosphide has a formula of ##Na_3P##.
Sodium is a metal cation with a charge of ##Na^(+1)##
Phosphorus is a nonmetal anion with a charge of ##P^(-3)##
In order to bond ionically the charges must be equal and opposite.
It will take one -3 phosphide ion to balance three +1 sodium ions forming a magnesium phosphide molecule of ##Na_3P##.
I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER