Red phosphorus catches fire at room temperature.
True or False

Explanation

To determine whether the statement "Red phosphorus catches fire at room temperature" is true or false, we can analyze the properties of red phosphorus and its ignition temperature.

### Step 1: Understand the Allotropes of Phosphorus
Phosphorus exists in several allotropes, the most common being white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Each allotrope has different physical and chemical properties.

**Hint:** Remember that allotropes are different forms of the same element, and they can have vastly different properties.

### Step 2: Identify the Stability of Red Phosphorus
Red phosphorus is known to be a stable allotrope at room temperature. Unlike white phosphorus, which is highly reactive and can ignite easily, red phosphorus is much more stable.

**Hint:** Stability at room temperature is a key factor in determining whether a substance will catch fire easily.

### Step 3: Determine the Ignition Temperature
The ignition temperature of red phosphorus is approximately 543 Kelvin (which is about 270°C), significantly higher than that of white phosphorus, which ignites at around 303 Kelvin (about 30°C). This high ignition temperature indicates that red phosphorus does not catch fire easily.

**Hint:** Compare the ignition temperatures of different allotropes to understand their reactivity.

### Step 4: Analyze the Structure of Red Phosphorus
The structure of red phosphorus is polymeric, meaning it consists of long chains of phosphorus atoms. This structure contributes to its stability and high ignition temperature. In contrast, white phosphorus has a tetrahedral P4 structure, which is more reactive.

**Hint:** The structural differences between allotropes can greatly influence their chemical behavior.

### Conclusion
Based on the information gathered, the statement "Red phosphorus catches fire at room temperature" is **False**. Red phosphorus is stable at room temperature and has a high ignition temperature, making it unlikely to ignite under normal conditions.

**Final Answer:** False