Questions: Choose the best answer using the periodic table.
What is the name of this compound: Mg3 P2
magnesium phosphorus
magnesium phosphide
trimagnesium diphosphide
phosphorus magnesium
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4. Choose the best answer using the periodic table.
What is the name of this compound: $\mathrm{Mg}_{3} \mathrm{P}_{2}$
magnesium phosphorus
magnesium phosphide
trimagnesium diphosphide
phosphorus magnesium
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Elements in the Compound
The compound \(\mathrm{Mg}_{3} \mathrm{P}_{2}\) consists of magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P).
Step 2: Determine the Type of Compound
This compound is an ionic compound, as it is formed between a metal (magnesium) and a non-metal (phosphorus).
Step 3: Naming Ionic Compounds
For ionic compounds, the name is typically formed by naming the metal first, followed by the non-metal with an "-ide" suffix. Therefore, the name of \(\mathrm{Mg}_{3} \mathrm{P}_{2}\) should be "magnesium phosphide."