Question

How many phosphorus atoms would combine together to form a stable molecule​

Answer 1

Phosphorus typically forms a P4 molecule, which is the most stable structure of elemental phosphorus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is how many phosphorus atoms would combine together to form a stable molecule. In its most stable form, phosphorus exists as a tetra-atomic molecule, which is phosphorus in the form of P4. This is evidenced by Figure 5.4.1, which shows that one form of elemental phosphorus exists as a four-atom molecule. Additionally, in phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) each phosphorus atom combines with five chlorine atoms using sp3d hybridization to form a trigonal bipyramidal structure. However, when considering elemental phosphorus on its own, it forms a P4 molecule as the most common stable structure.

Answer 2

Four

Step-by-step explanation:

P has five valence electrons. It can form bonds to three other atoms (like H) to form a triangular pyramidal molecule with a lone pair on the P atom.

If P atoms are to form bonds with each other, we can get a stable arrangement by putting each atom at the corner of a tetrahedron.

In a P₄ molecule, each atom still has three bonds and a lone pair.