The chemical formula for lithium phosphide is li3p. which best describes this ionic compound?
a.lithium ions have 1 positive charge, and phosphorus ions have 3 negative charges.
b.lithium ions have 3 positive charges, and phosphorus ions have 1 negative charge.
c.lithium ions have 1 negative charge, and phosphorus ions have 3 positive charges.

d.lithium ions have 3 negative charges, and phosphorus ions have 1 positive charge.

Option (A) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

It is known that charge on a lithium ion is +1 and the charge on a phosphorous ion is -3.

So, when lithium combines with phosphorous atom then in order to balance the charge we need three lithium atoms to combine with a phosphorous atom.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement Lithium ions have 1 positive charge, and phosphorus ions have 3 negative charges best describes this ionic compound.