2020 · Q114
The valency of phosphorus is
General KnowledgeChemistry
- A2, 3
- B3, 4
- C4, 5
- D3, 5
Explanation
Phosphorus (atomic number 15, electronic configuration 2,8,5) exhibits valencies of 3 and 5, as seen in PCl3 and PCl5. The two valencies arise because phosphorus can use its vacant 3d orbitals to expand its octet. The correct pair is 3, 5.