Elements {phosphorus, element} can have atomic number 15, with 15 protons and 15 electrons. Hennig Brand discovered phosphorus [1669]. Phosphorus means "bearer of light" in Greek.
properties
Phosphorus is non-metal, waxy, white or red, and solid. Atomic weight is 30.97, so phosphorus has 16 neutrons. Boiling point is 277 C. Melting point is 44 C. Density at 25 C is 1.82 g/cm^3.
reactions
Phosphorus is reactive and makes phosphates with oxygen. Red phosphorus is not as reactive as white. White is very reactive and catches fire in air at 35 C. At temperatures below 35 C, white phosphorus glows in air. For safety, phosphorus must be in water. Phosphorus is toxic and can damage nose and jaw cartilage and bones.
sources
Heating calcium phosphate with carbon and silicon dioxide produces phosphorus. Yearly amount is several million tons. Phosphorus is also in fluoroapatite, which is calcium, fluorine, and phosphate.
purposes
Phosphorus mainly makes phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid is for fertilizers, which must have phosphate.
comparison
Phosphorus chemistry is similar to nitrogen chemistry.
Physical Sciences>Chemistry>Inorganic>Chemical>Element>Elements
5-Chemistry-Inorganic-Chemical-Element-Elements
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Date Modified: 2022.0224