Two Important Allotropes of Phosphorus Are White Phosphorus and Red $\circ$

question 54

Essay

Two important allotropes of phosphorus are white phosphorus and red phosphorus.White phosphorus,P₄,has a melting point of 44.1 ^$\circ$ C and spontaneously reacts with oxygen.Red phosphorus,a network solid,melts at 280 ^$\circ$ C and is stable in air.Use your knowledge of intermolecular and intramolecular bonding to explain why these two forms of the same element have such different properties.

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Definitions:

Short-run Cost Function

A mathematical relation that shows the total cost associated with producing a good or service, emphasizing the costs that vary with the level of output in the short term.

Productivity Factor

An indicator of the efficiency with which inputs are converted into outputs in the production process.

Production Technique

The methods and processes used by businesses to manufacture goods or provide services.

Short-run Cost Function

A representation of the total cost associated with production, considering some inputs are fixed.