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Question

Why does white phosphorus glow in the dark?


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Solution

Phosphorus:

  • A crucial plant nutrient, phosphorus is used primarily in the production of fertilizers by phosphate compounds.
  • A phosphorus cycle exists, much as the biocarbon and nitrogen cycles.
  • Red phosphorus safety matches, pyrotechnics, and explosive shells are all made from phosphorus.

Glowing of White Phosphorus in dark:

  • White phosphorus is less stable and more reactive and when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air, it undergoes combustion.
  • As a result of the gradual combustion of white phosphorus in contact with the air, white phosphorus glows in the dark.
  • This characteristic of Phosphorus is known as Phosphorescence.

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