Question

What is the formula for potassium phosphide?

Answer 1

`K_3P`

Explanation:

Potassium almost always has a charge of + 1
Phosphorus has charges of + 3, -3, + 5.
In this case Phosphorus will act as an Oxidizing agent with Potassium. Meaning that it will take electrons from Potassium
resulting in a negative three charge.

`3 xx + 1 = 1 xx -3` so it will take three potassium ions to balance one Phosphorus ion. So the formula is

`K_3P`