White phosphorus has lower melting point then red phosphours. Explain .

Explanation

(1) In white phosphours, `P_(4)` molecules are held together by weak van der Waals forces of attraction.
(2) In red phosphorus, `P_(4)` molecules are linked to each other by strong covalent bonding.
(3) Hence the energy required to separate `P_(4)` molecules in white phosphorus is less than that required in case of red phosphours.
(4) Therefore the melting point of while phosphours is less than than that of red phosphorus.