Phosphorus: Non-Metal Forming Covalent Oxide

Steps:

• Locate phosphorus in group 15, period 3 of the Periodic Table, classifying it as a non-metal due to its position on the right side.
• Non-metals like phosphorus react with oxygen (another non-metal) to form molecular compounds.
• The empirical formula P₂O₅ represents phosphorus pentoxide, where phosphorus and oxygen atoms share electrons.
• Shared electrons confirm covalent bonding, typical for non-metal oxides.

Why C is correct:

• Phosphorus is a non-metal by Periodic Table position, and P₂O₅ features covalent bonds as non-metals share electrons without full transfer.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Phosphorus is a non-metal, not a metal.
• B: Phosphorus is a non-metal, and bonds are covalent, not ionic.
• D: Bonds in P₂O₅ are covalent, not ionic.

Final answer: C