Question

Atomicity of Phosphorus is:

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Hint:

The atomicity of an element indicates the number of atoms in one molecule of that element. For phosphorus, this is 4 in its most stable form.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

• Option 1: 2 - This is incorrect. Phosphorus does not exist as a diatomic molecule under normal conditions, so its atomicity is not 2.
• Option 2: 3 - This is incorrect. Phosphorus typically does not form a molecule with three atoms in its stable allotropes.
• Option 3: 4 - This is the correct answer. Phosphorus exists as P₄ molecules in its most stable allotrope (white phosphorus), which means its atomicity is 4. The atomicity of an element is the number of atoms in one molecule of that element.
• Option 4: 5 - This is incorrect. Phosphorus does not form molecules with five atoms in its most stable form. The atomicity of phosphorus is 4.

Explanation: 

Phosphorus, in its most stable allotrope, exists as a P₄ molecule, meaning it consists of four phosphorus atoms. Therefore, the atomicity of phosphorus is 4. The molecular structure of phosphorus involves a tetrahedral arrangement of phosphorus atoms in the P₄ molecule, which is the form most commonly encountered in nature.