P
Phosphorus
Atomic number: 15Mass: 30.974 uCategory: Nonmetal
About Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a highly reactive nonmetal. White phosphorus glows in the dark (hence the name, from Greek for 'light-bearer'). Red phosphorus is less reactive and is used in safety matches. It is essential for DNA, RNA, and ATP in living organisms.
Properties
Period
3
Group
15
Block
P
Category
Nonmetal
Electronegativity
2.19 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
1011.8 kJ/mol
Melting Point
317 K (44°C)
Boiling Point
554 K (281°C)
Density
1.823 g/cm³
Oxidation States
-3, +3, +5
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³
[Ne] 3s² 3p³
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:5e⁻
Real-World Uses
Fertilizers
Safety matches
Dental products
Pesticides
Steel production
Fun Fact
Phosphorus was discovered by an alchemist boiling down 50 buckets of urine — he was trying to make gold!