Question

What is white phosphorus?

Answer 1

Phosphorus is a chemical element of atomic number 15 and the symbol P. Phosphorus occurs in two main forms: white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but it is never present as a free product on Earth due to its high reactivity.

Complete answer:
Phosphorus is a chemical element of atomic number 15 and the symbol P. Phosphorus occurs in two main forms: white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but it is never present as a free product on Earth due to its high reactivity.
Allotropes are different molecular versions of the same material that have somewhat different physical and chemical properties. The same forces that influence other systems, such as friction, light, and temperature, cause the transition between allotropic shapes.
White Phosphorous:
Tetraphosphorus, also known as white phosphorus, yellow phosphorus, or simply tetraphosphorus, is a molecule of four atoms in a tetrahedral configuration. Ring strain and instability are caused by the tetrahedral structure. Six single P–P bonds are known as the molecule's structure. There are two types of crystalline forms that have been discovered. The alpha form is known as the element's standard state, but it is metastable under normal conditions. It has a body-centered cubic crystal structure and at 195.2 K, it reversibly transforms into the beta form. The crystal structure of the form is thought to be hexagonal.
White Phosphorus has the appearance of a white waxy solid.
In nature, poisonous substances are less stable and more reactive.
In water, it does not dissolve
It dissolves when combined with carbon disulphide and glows in the dark (chemiluminescence)

Note:
Phosphorus is a chemical element of atomic number 15 and the symbol P. Phosphorus occurs in two main forms: white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but it is never present as a free product on Earth due to its high reactivity.