White Phosphorus glows in the dark due to:

amorphous character

slow oxidation

high ignition temperature

good conducting property of electricity

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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The correct answer is B) slow oxidation.

White phosphorus exhibits phosphorescence, which is a form of chemiluminescence resulting from its slow oxidation when exposed to air. This process releases energy in the form of light, causing it to glow faintly in the dark. This is often referred to as ‘cold light’.

Amorphous character, high ignition temperature (white phosphorus has a very low ignition temperature, around 30°C), and good electrical conductivity are not the reasons for its glow. Its low ignition temperature makes it highly reactive and dangerous.

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