Na3P
sodium phosphorus compound
Sodium ions can balance P3- in simple ionic examples.
What Is the Charge of Phosphorus?
Phosphorus commonly forms P3- P3+ P5+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Quick answer: Phosphorus usually has a common ionic charge of -3 or +3 or +5, written as P3- or P3+ or P5+.
| Element | Phosphorus |
|---|---|
| Symbol | P |
| Atomic number | 15 |
| Common ionic charge | -3, +3, +5 |
| Common ions | P3-, P3+, P5+ |
Why Phosphorus has this charge
Phosphorus has common reference charges of -3, +3, +5. Use the compound name and context to distinguish ionic charge from oxidation state.
Phosphorus charge examples
CaP2
calcium phosphorus compound
Calcium ions can balance common negative Phosphorus ions.
FAQ
Is Phosphorus charge the same as oxidation state?
Ionic charge is the charge on an actual ion. Oxidation state is a bookkeeping number used inside compounds. They can match, but they are not always the same thing.
How do I use this in formulas?
Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero. You can also use the ionic compound calculator.
Where can I see the full chart?
Use the periodic table with charges or the ionic charges chart.