What is the atomicity of Phosphorus?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. Tetra-atomic.
The atomicity of phosphorus depends on its allotrope:
White Phosphorus (P₄): This form of phosphorus has a tetra-atomic structure, meaning each molecule consists of four phosphorus atoms.
Red Phosphorus: In red phosphorus, the atoms are linked together in a network or polymeric structure rather than discrete molecules, so it doesn't have a specific atomicity like white phosphorus.
Black phosphorus: It features a layered structure similar to graphite, with phosphorus atoms arranged in a specific pattern within each layer, rather than forming discrete molecules.
In summary, the most common reference for the atomicity of phosphorus is tetra-atomic in the context of white phosphorus (P₄).