What is the exact number of bridging bonds present in a single molecule of phosphorus pentoxide ()? β p Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
What is the exact number of $P-O-P$ bridging bonds present in a single molecule of phosphorus pentoxide ($P_4O_{10}$)?
Answer: 6
π‘ Solution & Explanation
In $P_4O_{10}$, the four phosphorus atoms are arranged at the corners of a tetrahedron. Each edge of this tetrahedron represents a $P-O-P$ bridge. Since a tetrahedron has 6 edges, there are exactly 6 $P-O-P$ bonds.
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