Why phosporus kept in water?

Answer 1

Potassium is a soft metal which reacts violently (spontaniously combusts) with both water and oxygen, so both must be excluded, by storing it in paraffin or kerosene. Phosphorus is a non metal .White phosphorous is kept under water because it reacts with oxygen but not water. Red phosphorus (the allotropic form P4, which occurs when white phosphorus is heated above 275`C) is more inert and does not need to be kept in water to exclude air.

Answer 2

Phosphorus exists as several forms (allotropes) with different properties. The most common allotropes are white phosphorus and red phosphorus.

White phosphorus is a very reactive, unstable allotrope. It is highly flammable and, if allowed to come into contact with air, will self-ignite. It is kept under water to avoid ignition.

Answer 3

Any contact with air will cause it to ignite and burn.

Answer 4

Because it is highly reactive, and spontaneously combusts when exposed to the air.

Answer 5

White phosphorus ignites spontaneously on contact with air.

Answer 6

Phosphorus easily react with the oxygen from the atmosphere.