QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Why is phosphorus oxide represented as P^4O^10 and not P^2O^5?
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Answer
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Step 1: Understand the molecular structure of phosphorus oxide
Phosphorus oxide, also known as tetraphosphorus decoxide, has the chemical formula P^4O^10. This formula represents a molecule where four phosphorus (P) atoms are bonded with ten oxygen (O) atoms.
Step 2: Examine the structure of the P^4O^10 molecule
The P^4O^10 molecule consists of a central tetrahedral P^4 unit, in which each P atom is bonded to three other P atoms. Each P atom in the tetrahedron shares one electron with an adjacent P atom, forming a P-P single bond.
Final Answer
Phosphorus oxide is represented as P^4O^10 because the molecular structure of tetraphosphorus decoxide consists of four phosphorus atoms bonded with ten oxygen atoms, forming a combination of single and double bonds. This specific arrangement and formula ensure the molecule's stability and structure.
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