Question

In \[{P_4}\] molecule phosphorus atoms are tetrahedrally arranged. The bond angle $\angle P - P - P$ in the molecule is

Answer 1

Hint: White phosphorus, yellow phosphorus or simply tetraphosphorus exists as molecules made up of four atoms in a tetrahedral structure. The tetrahedral arrangement results in ring strain and instability. The molecule is described as consisting of six single $P - P$ bonds.

Complete answer:
White phosphorus is a translucent waxy solid that quickly becomes yellow when exposed to light. For this reason it is also called yellow phosphorus. It glows greenish in the dark and is highly flammable and pyrophoric upon contact with air.
Hence, six $P - P$ single bonds, four lone pairs of electrons and $\angle P - P - P$ angle of $60^o$ are present
The $\angle P - P - P$ bond angle in a tetrahedral ${P_4}$ molecule is ${60^ \circ }$
It is Tetrahedron in shape, there are six bonds in total and a $4$ lone pair of electrons are present.
It can form a single bond with other atoms.

Additional information:
It is toxic, causing severe liver damage on ingestion and phossy jaw from chronic ingestion or inhalation. The odour of combustion of this form has a characteristic garlic smell, and samples are commonly coated with white diphosphorus pentoxide, which consists of ${P_4}{H_{10}}$ tetrahedral with oxygen inserted between the phosphorus atoms and at their vertices. White phosphorus is only slightly soluble in water and can be stored under water.

Note:
White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks.