Table of Contents
What is Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a chemical element that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a brittle, silvery-white solid that is highly reactive. It is the most important element in fertilizers and is used to make explosives.
History of Phosphorus
The history of phosphorus dates back to 1669 when Hennig Brandt discovered it while attempting to create gold from other elements. Brandt boiled human urine in an attempt to isolate the mythical element and produced a white, waxy substance that he named phosphorus after the Greek word meaning “light bearer.”
The Chemical Appearance of Phosphorus
Phosphorus exists in two allotropes: white phosphorus and red phosphorus.
White phosphorus is a translucent, waxy solid that is relatively stable in air and water. It is pyrophoric, meaning that it will spontaneously ignite in air, and it is moderately toxic.
Red phosphorus is a dark, red solid that is much less reactive than white phosphorus. It is not pyrophoric and is not as toxic as white phosphorus.
Uses of Phosphorus
Phosphorus is used in many different ways. It is used in agriculture as a fertilizer, in the production of explosives, in the manufacturing of steel, and in the production of various chemicals.
Uses of Phosphorus for Health and Body
Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in many foods, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and legumes. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
Phosphorus is essential for the body to function properly. It helps to build strong bones and teeth, and is necessary for the proper function of the nervous and muscular systems. Phosphorus is also involved in the transport and storage of energy in the body.
Most people get enough phosphorus from their diets, but people with certain medical conditions may need to take supplements.
Physical Properties of Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a nonmetallic element that is found in group 15 of the periodic table. It is a solid at room temperature and has a metallic luster. Phosphorus is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of 2.5. It is a poor conductor of electricity and is not magnetic.
Phosphorus is a white, waxy solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and other polar solvents. It is a poor conductor of electricity, but is magnetic. Phosphorus is the first element in group 15 of the periodic table.
Chemical Properties of Phosphorus
The chemical properties of phosphorus are highly reactive. It is a nonmetal that is solid at room temperature. It is white in color and has a strong smell. It is a poor conductor of electricity. Phosphorus is highly combustible and reacts violently with water, oxygen, and other chemicals.
Types of Phosphorus
There are three types of phosphorus: organic, inorganic, and elemental.
Organic phosphorus is found in all living things. Inorganic phosphorus is found in rocks and soil. Elemental phosphorus is a pure form of the element that is not found in nature.
Difference Between Red and White Phosphorus
The major difference between red and white phosphorus is that red phosphorus is a solid, whereas white phosphorus is a liquid. Red phosphorus is also less reactive than white phosphorus.
Allotropes of Phosphorus
There are three allotropes of phosphorus: white phosphorus, red phosphorus, and black phosphorus.
White phosphorus is the most common allotrope of phosphorus. It is a soft, waxy solid that is slightly soluble in water. It is used in matches, explosives, and fertilizers.
Red phosphorus is a less common allotrope of phosphorus. It is a hard, brittle solid that is insoluble in water. It is used in fireworks and flares.
Black phosphorus is the least common allotrope of phosphorus. It is a soft, black solid that is insoluble in water. It is used in electronic devices.
Compounds of Phosphorus
The most common phosphorus compound is phosphoric acid, H 3 PO 4 . It is used in fertilizers and food additives.
Other phosphorus compounds include:
phosphorus pentoxide, P 4 O 10
phosphorus trichloride, PCl 3
phosphorus tribromide, PBr 3
phosphorus pentabromide, PBr 5
phosphorus hexachloride, PCl 6
phosphorus heptachloride, PCl 7
