Question

Name few uses of White Phosphorus

Answer 1

White Phosphorus:

• White Phosphorus (${\mathrm{P}}_4$) is a waxy substance that is colourless, white, or yellow and has a garlic-like odour.
• White Phosphorus is a hazardous chemical formed by the breakdown of Phosphate-containing minerals.
• It occurs in tetrahedral molecules composed of four atoms.

Uses of White Phosphorus:

• It is used to make rat poison
• It is also employed to make Phosphorus bronze, which is used to make tracer bullets.
• White Phosphorus is used in the production of chemicals used in fertilisers, food additives, and cleaning agents.
• Because it spontaneously catches fire in air, the military utilises White Phosphorus as an incendiary agent in numerous types of munitions.