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JAMB Chemistry 1981 Question 28

Question 28

Carbon and its Compounds

Which of the following statements about phosphorus is NOT correct?

  1. A.Phosphorus is a solid mineral
  2. B.Phosphorus is obtained by oxidation of phosphates
  3. C.Phosphorus exists in two allotropic forms
  4. D.Both forms of phosphorus are interconvertible
  5. E.Yellow phosphorus ignites when rubbed on a rough surface.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Phosphorus is obtained by oxidation of phosphates)

Explanation

Phosphorus is extracted by reducing calcium phosphate with coke (and sand) in an electric furnace, not by oxidation. Yellow phosphorus is very easily ignited, so E is true.