What is the charge of ions formed from atoms of P? Please explain to me why?

Question

Please explain how u got the answer I do not understand this part of my Chem of how to tell if something produces Neg ions or Pos ions

Answer 1

I just look on this periodic table for Phosphorus:
http://www.chemsoc.org/viselements/pages/data/phosphorus_data.html
and read off the oxidation (ionization) states near the bottom.

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Answer 2

The easiest way for P to get 8 electrons in its outer level is to gain 3, rather than to lose 5. So it forms a 3- ion.
Atoms seem to want to take the easiest way to perfection!