Question

the diagrams above represent two allotropes of solid phosphorus. which of the following correctly identifies the allotrope with the higher melting point and explains why? allotrope i allotrope ii a allotrope i, because it has p4 molecules with covalent bonds that are stronger than dispersion forces between individual p atoms in allotrope ii b allotrope ii, because it has covalent bonds between the phosphorous atoms that are stronger than the dispersion forces between the p4 molecules in allotrope i c allotrope ii, because it has metallic bonding that is stronger than the covalent bonding found in the p4 molecules in allotrope i

Explanation:

Allotrope II has a more extended - network structure with stronger covalent bonds between phosphorus atoms compared to the discrete P₄ molecules in Allotrope I which are held together by weaker dispersion forces. Stronger bonding in Allotrope II requires more energy to break, resulting in a higher melting point.

Answer:

B. Allotrope II because it has covalent bonds between the phosphorous atoms that are stronger than the dispersion forces between the P₄ molecules in allotrope I