Question

why can't the red phosphorus burn spontaneously why only the White Phosphorus is burning

Answer 1

white phosphorus is unstable compound......its angle is 60° due to tension in bond.....its expected angle is 109°.....therefore it burns in air to form red phosphorus which is stable

Answer 2

Red phosphorus is stable at room temperature but Can be converted into more reactive as white phosphorus by heat sunlight or friction so it's used in strike.......