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Phosphorus bursts into flame when exposed to oxygen. What element might be used when storing pure phosphorus to keep it from reacting?

User Varrry
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2 Answers

7 votes

Answer:

Noble gases. (Argon)

Step-by-step explanation:

Noble gases are found in the group eight element on the periodic table and are known for their inert nature.

Meaning that they don't react easily with other elements.

Phosphorus is a reactive element that when exposed to air (oxygen) catches fire.

If phosphorus is stored under Noble gases escpecially Argon it won't react with the surrounding air in the laboratory.

User Jelle Keizer
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5.8k points
7 votes

Answer;

Argon

Explanation;

  • Phosphorus is an element found in group 15 of the periodic table, it is one of the element that belongs to nitrogen family.
  • The element phosphorus exhibits allotrophy, namely; white phosphorus, red phosphorus and black phosphorus.
  • Phosphorus, particularly the white phosphorus combines with oxygen so easily that it catches fire automatically. Thus, as a safety precaution, white phosphorus is stored under water in laboratories.
  • It may be also stored in argon, since argon is an inert element which belongs to the noble gases group.

User Rypskar
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