Question

Assertion :Statement $-$ 1 : White phosphorus is less stable where as red phosphorus is more stable. Reason: Statement $-$ 2 : White phosphorus exist as individual $P_4$ having more strained geometery while red phosphorus has $P_4$ tetrahedron structure linked together.

• A. Statement $-$ 1 is true, Statement $-$ 2 is true and Statement $-$ 2 is correct explanation for Statement $-$ 1.
• B. Statement $-$ 1 is true, Statement $-$ 2 is true and Statement $-$ 2 is NOT the correct explanation for Statement $-$ 1.
• C. Statement $-$ 1 is true, Statement $-$ 2 is false.
• D. Statement $-$ 1 is false, Statement $-$ 2 is true.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

White phosphorus has a tetrahedral basic unit where four phosphorus atoms arranged at the four corners of a tetrahedron are joined together by a total of six single bonds. This creates a very highly strained system which is unstable and very reactive.
Red phosphorus has an amormous structure (only short range order, no long range one) and is therefore a lot more stable and less reactive