| Phosphorus |
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| Atomic Number - | 15 | Melting Point (°C,°F) - | 44.2 °C, 111.6 °F |
| Atomic Symbol - | P | Boiling Point (°C,°F) - | 277 °C, 531 °F |
| Atomic Mass - | 30.97 | Electron Configuration - | [Ne] 3s2 3p3 |
| Group - | 15 | Electrons Per Shell - | 2, 8, 5 |
| Period - | 3 | Protons - | 15 |
| Series - | Non-Metals | Neutrons - | 16 |
| Block - | p-block | | |
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Element Description - Phosphorus, (from the Greek language phôs meaning "light", and phoros meaning "bearer"), is the chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus is commonly found in inorganic phosphate rocks and in all living cells. Due to its high reactivity, it is never found as a free element in nature. It emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen (hence its Greek derivation and the Latin meaning 'morning star'), occurs in several allotropic forms, and is an essential element for living organisms. The most important commercial use of phosphorus is in the production of fertilizers. It is also widely used in explosives, nerve agents, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste, and detergents. |
Element Characteristics - Common phosphorus forms a waxy white solid that has a characteristic disagreeable smell similar to that of garlic. Pure forms of the element are colorless and transparent. This nonmetal is not soluble in water, but it is soluble in carbon disulfide. Pure phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air and burns to produce phosphorus pentoxide.
Forms
Phosphorus exists in three allotropic forms: white, red, and black. Other allotropic forms may exist. The most common are red and white phosphorus, both of which consist of networks of tetrahedrally arranged groups of four phosphorus atoms. The tetrahedra of white phosphorus form separate groups; the tetrahedra of red phosphorus are linked into chains. White phosphorus burns on contact with air and on exposure to heat or light.
Phosphorus also exists in kinetically and thermodynamically favored forms. They are separated by a transition temperature of -3.8 °C. One is known as the "alpha" form, the other "beta". Red phosphorus is comparatively stable and sublimes at a vapor pressure of 1 atm at 170 °C but burns from impact or frictional heating. A black phosphorus allotrope exists which has a structure similar to graphite – the atoms are arranged in hexagonal sheet layers and will conduct electricity. |
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