The valency of phosphorus is

The valency of phosphorus is

2, 3
3, 4
4, 5
3, 5
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2020
Phosphorus commonly exhibits valencies of 3 and 5.
Phosphorus is in Group 15 (VA). In compounds like PH₃ or PCl₃, phosphorus has a valency of 3, using its three unpaired p-electrons for bonding. Due to the presence of vacant d-orbitals, phosphorus can expand its valence shell and form five covalent bonds, as seen in compounds like PCl₅ or P₂O₅, where its valency is 5.
Phosphorus can also exhibit other oxidation states and valencies in specific compounds, but 3 and 5 are the most common valencies.
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