The statement "Calcium, an alkaline earth metal with an oxidation number of +2 will form an ionic bond with phosphorous, a nonmetal in group 5A with an oxidation number of -3 called calcium phosphide (Ca3P2)." most accurately describes the compound formed by calcium and phosphorous (option A)
Why is this correct?
Oxidation numbers: Calcium has a +2 oxidation state, and phosphorus has a -3 oxidation state in this compound. These charges balance each other out, leading to a stable ionic compound.
Ionic bond: The large electronegativity difference between calcium and phosphorus makes it energetically favorable for calcium to donate its two valence electrons to phosphorus, forming positive and negative ions that attract each other via electrostatic forces.
Compound name: The compound formed is calcium phosphide (Ca3P2), not calcium phosphate (which has a different formula and structure).
Complete question:
Which statement most accurately describes the compound formed by calcium and phosphorous?
A)Calcium, an alkaline earth metal with an oxidation number of +2 will form an ionic bond with phosphorous, a nonmetal is group 5A with an oxidation number of -3 called calcium phosphide (Ca3P2).
B)Calcium, an alkaline earth metal with an oxidation number of -2 will form an ionic bond with phosphorous, a nonmetal is group 5A with an oxidation number of -3 called calcium phosphate (Ca3P2).
C)Calcium, an alkaline earth metal with an oxidation number of +2 will form a covalent bond with phosphorous, a nonmetal is group 5A with an oxidation number of -3 called calcium phosphide (Ca3P2).
D)Calcium, an alkaline earth metal with an oxidation number of +2 will form an ionic bond with phosphorous, a nonmetal is group 5A with an oxidation number of -3 called bicalcium triphosphide (Ca2P3).