Chapter 18.3, Problem 16PP

To determine

The formula for lead phosphide.

Answer to Problem 16PP

The formula for lead phosphide is ${\text{Pb}}_{\text{3}}{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The compound islead phosphide.

Calculation:

The lead phosphide consists of lead and phosphorus. Lead belongs to group 14 and it has 4 outermost electrons. Similarly, phosphorus belongs to the group 15 and it has 5 electrons in the outermost shell.

Lead loses its 4 outermost electrons and gets +4 charges. Phosphorus gains +3 electrons to attain noble gas configuration and gets -3 charges. Lead and phosphorus are denoted by Pb and P respectively. Cross multiply both the charge of Pb and P and the formula for lead phosphide is ${\text{Pb}}_{\text{3}}{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}$ .

Conclusion:

Thus, the formula for lead phosphide is ${\text{Pb}}_{\text{3}}{\text{P}}_{\text{4}}$ .