Explain why potassium is kept under parrafin while phosphorus is kept under water? ?

Potassium is a highly reactive metal that can react violently with air and moisture, leading to the formation of potassium oxide and potassium hydroxide. To prevent this reaction, potassium is stored under paraffin oil, which acts as a barrier to moisture and oxygen.

Phosphorus, on the other hand, is a less reactive element compared to potassium. However, white phosphorus is highly reactive and can spontaneously ignite in air. To prevent this reaction, white phosphorus is stored under water, which acts as a barrier to oxygen and prevents the phosphorus from coming into contact with air. Additionally, storing phosphorus under water helps to prevent the formation of toxic phosphorus oxides.

Potassium is kept under paraffin because it is a highly reactive metal that reacts with air and moisture to form a flammable oxide. Paraffin is a hydrocarbon that is non-reactive and forms a protective layer over the potassium, preventing it from reacting with air and moisture.

Phosphorus is kept under water because it is also a highly reactive element that reacts with air to form phosphorous pentoxide, a toxic and corrosive gas. Water inhibits the reaction of phosphorus with air by creating a barrier between the two.