Question

Phosphorus is a very reactive non-metal, which catches fire when exposed to air. Hence, phosphorus is stored under water to prevent contact between phosphorus and air.But water is also having dilute oxygen then why it does not react with it ?

Answer 1

Any elements like phosphorus need free oxygen to react not in a combined form. Since water molecule is a compound which is covalent in nature have hydrogen and oxygen atom in a combined state which is quite stable . Hence water do not provide free oxygen and hydrogen atom or molecule to react with phosphorus.