Question

Which equation correctly represents the third ionization of phosphorous?

Answer 1

Ionization is the process of formation of ion by loss of an electron from an isolated gaseous atom.

Eg. M(g) M⁺(g) + 1e^-, this is the first ionization since an electron is lost from a neutral gaseous atom.

M⁺(g) M²⁺(g) + 1e^-, this is the second ionization since an electron is lost from a cation of the first ionization.

The first, second and third ionization equations of phosphorus are as follows:

P(g) P⁺(g) + 1e^- ------- First ionization

P⁺(g) P²⁺(g) + 1e^- ------- second ionization

P²⁺(g) P³⁺(g) + 1e^- ------- third ionization

Thus, the equation represents the third ionization of phosphorus is as follows:

P²⁺(g) P³⁺(g) + 1e^- ------- third ionization