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White phosphorus (P4) has...

White phosphorus `(P_4)` has

A

Six `P-P` single bonds

B

Four `P-P` single bonds

C

Four lone pairs of electrons

D

`PPP` "angle" of `60^@`

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The correct Answer is:
To answer the question regarding the properties of white phosphorus `(P_4)`, we will analyze its structure and characteristics step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Structure of White Phosphorus `(P_4)`**: - White phosphorus consists of four phosphorus atoms arranged in a tetrahedral shape. Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three other phosphorus atoms. **Hint**: Recall the tetrahedral geometry and how it relates to the arrangement of atoms in molecules. 2. **Identifying the Bonds**: - In the tetrahedral structure, each phosphorus atom forms single bonds with three other phosphorus atoms. Therefore, we can count the total number of P-P bonds. - Each of the four phosphorus atoms contributes to three bonds, but since each bond connects two atoms, we must divide the total by two to avoid double counting. **Hint**: Use the formula for counting bonds in a molecular structure to avoid double counting. 3. **Counting the P-P Bonds**: - The total number of P-P bonds can be calculated as follows: - Total bonds = 4 atoms × 3 bonds/atom = 12 bonds (double counted) - Actual P-P bonds = 12 / 2 = 6 P-P single bonds. **Hint**: Remember that each bond connects two atoms, so adjust your count accordingly. 4. **Determining Lone Pairs**: - Each phosphorus atom has five valence electrons. In the tetrahedral structure, each phosphorus atom uses three electrons to form bonds with other phosphorus atoms, leaving one lone pair of electrons on each phosphorus atom. - Therefore, there are a total of four lone pairs of electrons in white phosphorus. **Hint**: Consider the valence electron count and how they are distributed between bonding and lone pairs. 5. **Calculating the Bond Angles**: - In a tetrahedral geometry, the bond angles between the P-P bonds are approximately 60 degrees. **Hint**: Recall the typical bond angles associated with tetrahedral molecular geometry. 6. **Evaluating the Options**: - Now we can evaluate the given options: - **Option 1**: 6 P-P single bonds - **Correct**. - **Option 2**: 4 P-P single bonds - **Incorrect**. - **Option 3**: 4 lone pairs of electrons - **Correct**. - **Option 4**: P-P bond angle of 60 degrees - **Correct**. **Hint**: Cross-reference your findings with the options given to determine which are true. ### Conclusion: The correct statements about white phosphorus `(P_4)` are: - It has 6 P-P single bonds. - It has 4 lone pairs of electrons. - The P-P bond angle is approximately 60 degrees. Thus, the correct options are 1, 3, and 4.

To answer the question regarding the properties of white phosphorus `(P_4)`, we will analyze its structure and characteristics step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Structure of White Phosphorus `(P_4)`**: - White phosphorus consists of four phosphorus atoms arranged in a tetrahedral shape. Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three other phosphorus atoms. **Hint**: Recall the tetrahedral geometry and how it relates to the arrangement of atoms in molecules. ...
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