Question

Solid samples of the element phosphorus can be white, black, or red in color. The variations in color are due to different

(1) atomic masses
(2) molecular structures
(3) ionization energies
(4) nuclear charges

Answer 1

Solid samples of the element phosphorus can be white, black, or red in color. The variations in color are due to different Molecular structures.

Answer 2

Due to molecular structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The different forms of phosphorus (white, black or red) are allotropes of phosphorus.

They differ in molecular structures.

White phosphorus: It has four phosphorus which form a tetrahedral shape.

Black phosphorus : It has orthorhombic structure and due to interlinked six membered rings, it is least reactive.

Red phosphorus: It is formed on heating white phosphorus. It is initially amorphus and turns crystalline on further heating.