The freezing point of oxygen is about – 218°C. The freezing point of phosphorous is about[262°C higher. What is the approximate freezing point of phosphorous?
-44°C
-480°C
44°C
480°
The correct answer and explanation is :
To find the freezing point of phosphorus, we need to calculate it based on the information given:
- The freezing point of oxygen is about -218°C.
- The freezing point of phosphorus is about 262°C higher than that of oxygen.
To calculate the freezing point of phosphorus:
[
\text{Freezing point of phosphorus} = \text{Freezing point of oxygen} + 262°C
]
Substitute the value for the freezing point of oxygen:
[
\text{Freezing point of phosphorus} = -218°C + 262°C = 44°C
]
So, the freezing point of phosphorus is approximately 44°C.
Explanation:
- Freezing Point of Oxygen: The freezing point of oxygen is given as -218°C. This means oxygen will change from a gas to a solid at temperatures below -218°C.
- Difference in Freezing Points: The problem specifies that the freezing point of phosphorus is about 262°C higher than the freezing point of oxygen. This tells us that phosphorus has a significantly higher freezing point than oxygen, meaning it solidifies at a much higher temperature.
- Performing the Calculation: By adding 262°C to the freezing point of oxygen (-218°C), we calculate the freezing point of phosphorus to be 44°C.
Thus, the correct answer is 44°C, which is the approximate freezing point of phosphorus.
Conclusion:
The freezing point of phosphorus is higher than oxygen’s by 262°C, and after performing the calculation, we find that it is approximately 44°C. This means phosphorus remains in solid form at temperatures above 44°C and transitions from a gas to a solid below that temperature.