Write the following for a white phosphorus molecule
(a) oxidation state of P (b) covalency of P (c) total number of bonds (d) bond order (e) bond angle (f) geometry

Explanation

(a) Oxidation state of phosphorus in `P_(4)` molecule is zero.
(b) Valency of P in `P_(4)` molecule is tree. Each P atom forms 3 bond pairs and possesses on long pair.
(c) Total number of `P - P` sigma bonds in a molecule of phosphorus is six
(d) Phosphorus - Phosphorus bond order in `P_(4)` molecule is one
(e) Bond angle `60^(@)`
(f) Tetrahedral