Phosphorus has the formula P4. Phosphorus has an atomicity of 4.
Atomicity.
The atomicity of a single molecule is defined as the number of atoms present. It can be divided into three categories.
- Many elements’ molecules are made up of simply one atom of that element. They’re referred to as monatomic. For instance, Ar (Argon), He (Helium). As a result, their atomicity is one.
- Many elements’ molecules are made up of two atoms of that element. For example, oxygen can never exist on its own and can only exist as a diatomic O2 molecule. As a result, its atomicity is 2.
- Many elements’ molecules are made up of three atoms of that element. Triatomic elements are those that have three atoms, such as ozone (O3), carbon dioxide(CO2), and oxygen. As a result, their atomicity is three.
- Many elements’ molecules are made up of four atoms of that element. Tetra atomic is the name given to them. For instance, P4. As a result, their atomicity is 4.