White phosphorus `P_(4)` has the following characteristics.

Options

A. 6 P-P single bond
B. 4 P-P single bonds
C. 4 lone pair of electrons
D. P-P-P angle of `60^(@)`

Explanation

To analyze the characteristics of white phosphorus (P₄), we can break down the information step by step:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of White Phosphorus (P₄)
White phosphorus consists of four phosphorus atoms arranged in a tetrahedral structure. Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three other phosphorus atoms through single covalent bonds.

**Hint:** Remember that the tetrahedral structure is a key feature of P₄, where each phosphorus atom is connected to three others.

### Step 2: Determine the Valence Electrons
Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15, which means it has 15 electrons. The electronic configuration is 2, 8, 5. The 5 electrons in the outermost shell (valence shell) are crucial for bonding.

**Hint:** Focus on the valence electrons, as they determine how phosphorus atoms bond with each other.

### Step 3: Analyze the Bonding
In P₄, each phosphorus atom shares its three valence electrons with three neighboring phosphorus atoms, forming single covalent bonds. This sharing allows each phosphorus atom to achieve a stable octet configuration.

**Hint:** Consider how covalent bonding occurs through the sharing of electrons to complete the octet.

### Step 4: Count the Bonds
In the tetrahedral structure of P₄, there are a total of 6 P-P single bonds formed between the phosphorus atoms.

**Hint:** Keep track of how many bonds are formed in the structure; this is essential for understanding the connectivity of the atoms.

### Step 5: Identify Lone Pairs
Each phosphorus atom in P₄ has one lone pair of electrons. Since there are four phosphorus atoms, there are a total of 4 lone pairs in the molecule.

**Hint:** Remember that lone pairs are unshared pairs of electrons that can influence the geometry of the molecule.

### Step 6: Determine the Bond Angles
The bond angles between the P-P-P bonds in white phosphorus are approximately 60 degrees due to the tetrahedral arrangement of the atoms.

**Hint:** Bond angles are important in understanding the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- There are 6 P-P single bonds.
- There are 4 lone pairs of electrons.
- The bond angle is approximately 60 degrees.

Thus, the correct characteristics of white phosphorus (P₄) include:
- 6 P-P single bonds (correct)
- 4 lone pairs of electrons (correct)
- P-P-P bond angle of 60 degrees (correct)

### Final Answer
The correct characteristics of white phosphorus (P₄) are A, C, and D.