Question

Phosphorus is a polyatomic molecule.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A True

Definition for atomicity

The number of atoms present in a molecule of an element is known as the atomicity of that element. Based on the atomicity, molecules can be monoatomic, diatomic, triatomic or polyatomic.

Monoatomic molecules: molecules of some elements consist of only one atom.

Example-helium($\mathrm{He}$), neon($\mathrm{Ne}$)

Diatomic molecule-:The molecules of certain elements consist of two atoms of the same element.

Example-oxygen(${\mathrm{O}}_2$), chlorine(${\mathrm{Cl}}_2$)

Triatomic molecules: The molecules of certain elements consist of three atoms of the same element.

Example-ozone(${\mathrm{O}}_3$)

Polyatomic molecule: The molecules made up of more the three atoms are called polyatomic molecules

Example: phosphorus(${\mathrm{P}}_4$)

Therefore the given statement is true.ie, phosphorus is a polyatomic molecule.