Phosphorus
Symbol: P
Atomic number 15
Average atomic mass-30.97
Isotopes-31 (100%)
Melting Point-317 degres F
Boiling Point-550 degres F
Element class=- Non-Metal
Phosphorus:
Greek: Phos, light. Phoros, bearer
atomic # 15
Discovered by Hennig Brandt in 1669.
Mutivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group
Found in inorganic phosphate rocks
Not found as a "free element" in nature
Found in DNA and RNA, and is essential for life. It is also used in fertilizers and explosives!
It has 5 different colors white, yellow, red, violet and black, but the main "colors" are white, red and black phosphorus.
White phosphorus is yellow, and glows green in the dark when exposed to Oxygen. It is somtimes chractorized by its garlic smell. White Phosphorus presents a fire hazard due to its high reactivity to oxygen. If it touches human skin, it can leave severe burns.
Red phosphorus varies in color from orange to purple. This is because of its different chemical structure.
Black phosphorus is made under great temperatures and pressure. It is a shade of black, making it look like graphite. In this state, it has the ability to conduct electricity.
Phosphorus is commonly misspelled "phosphorous". It is an essential component of living systems and is found in nervous tissue, bones and cell protoplasm.
— Links: —
http://www.lenntech.com/Periodic-chart-elements/P-en.htm —
http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/p.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus —
