The Element Phosphorus


The name phosphorus comes from the Greek word meaning light bearer due to its explosive nature when reacting with air. Due to this fact it can never be found in its free form in nature on earth. It is also known to be a component present in DNA and RNA of our bodies which makes it an important element in biology. Plants too rely on the essence of Phosphorus as it is used for agricultural industry in producing fertilizers and pesticides.

Industrially, it is an important component in steel production and phosphor bronze. Other compounds of phosphorus are used in some countries to make laundry detergents while the beverage industry thrives on elemental phosphorus which is used on soda beverages. White phosphorus on the other hand is widely used by militaries to produce smoke screening or smoke bombs and tracer ammunition. 

Atomic Number & Chemical Properties


Element Basics:

Chemical Symbol: P
Atomic Number: 15
Atomic Weight: 30.973762
Element Classification: Non-Metal
Discovered By: Hennig Brand
Date of Discovery: 1669 (Germany)
Origin of Name: Greek: phosphoros, (bringer of light).

How to Recognize it at a Party:

The most common white form is a waxy, phosphorescent solid

Seriously Atomic Information:

Density (g/cc): 1.82 (white phosphorus)
Melting Point (°K): 317.3
Boiling Point (°K): 553
Atomic Radius (pm): 128
Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 17.0
Covalent Radius (pm): 106
Ionic Radius: 35 (+5e) 212 (-3e)
Pauling Negativity Number: 2.19
First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 1011.2
Oxidation States: 5, 3, -3
Electronic Configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p3

Getting Intimate with Phosphorus:

Lattice Structure: Cubic (CUB)
Lattice Constant (Å): 7.170
Lattice C/A Ratio: n/a
Specific Heat (@20°C J/g mol): 0.757
Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 2.51
Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 49.8
Thermal Conductivity (@25°C W/m K):
Debye Temperature (°K): n/a


Society's Questions About Phosphorus:

Have you ever wondered what everyone else in the world thinks about Phosphorus? Is anyone else looking for it too? If so, why? What do they want?

The following list shows the most common online questions about the element Phosphorus. Are your questions the same or different from everyone else's?

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