Chapter 18, Problem 41E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The stability of nitrate ion ${\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}^{-}$ , oxyanion of phosphorus ${\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}^{3-}$ and instability of ${\text{NO}}_{\text{4}}^{3-}$ and ${\text{PO}}_3^{-}$ needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In the Long form of periodic table, the non-metals are mainly placed at the right side of the periodic table that is called as p-block elements. Metals make the 75 % part of the periodic table. Metals are electropositive elements and mainly form ionic compound whereas non-metals are electronegative elements and can form either covalent or ionic compounds.

The non-metals tend to form oxyanions in which they form bond with O atom and these oxyanions have negative charges.