Question

White Phosphorus is generally kept under:
A. Alcohol
B. Water
C. Glycerine
D. Kerosene oil
E. Ether

Answer 1

Hint - In order to deal with this question we will understand the property of phosphorus and then according to its property and reaction we will proceed further by checking the reaction of white phosphorus with which of the options is least.

Complete answer:
Phosphorus has 3 allotropes. They are white, red and black. Phosphorus (white phosphorus) allotropic shape is less stable and thus extremely reactive due to angular strain in ${P_4}$ molecule In these molecules the angles are only ${60^0}$ . It very easily catches fire in the normal air to give out the dense white fumes of ${P_4}{O_{10}}$
\[{P_4} + 5{O_2} \to {P_4}{O_{10}}\]
The oxygen current in the air is then contained in water to prevent oxidation. It is kept in water because it is insoluble in water and also does not react with water.
Hence, white Phosphorus is generally kept under water.

So, the correct answer is option B.

Additional information- White phosphorus is the least stable of allotropes, the most reactive, the most volatile, the least dense and the most toxic. Gradually, white phosphorus transitions to red phosphorus. Light and heat promote this process, and white phosphorus samples nearly always contain some red phosphorus, and hence look black. White phosphorus, which is aged or otherwise impure (e.g., weapons-grade, not laboratory-grade WP) is often called yellow phosphorus for this purpose. White phosphorus glows in the dark when exposed to oxygen, with a very subtle tinge of green and blue. Upon contact with air it is highly flammable and pyrophoric (self-igniting).

Note- Non-metals are electronegative and are unable to break the bond between H and O in water. The non-metals cannot reduce hydrogen by donating electrons. Thus non metals do not react with water. Usually, nonmetals do not react with water. Except for Chlorine, chlorine dissolves in water to form an acidic solution.