Phosphorus
Phosphorus, P, is a non-metallic main group element belonging to
Group Vb of the
periodic table.
- Atomic Number : 15
- Relative Atomic Mass : 31
- Melting Point : 41 degC
- Boiling Point : 280 degC
- Relative Density : 1.8 (White Phosphorus)
- Relative Density : 2.2 (Red Phosphorus)
Phosphorus can exist in three allotropic forms.
Discovery
Phosphorus was discovered, by Brandt in 1669AD.
Occurrence
Phosphorus is widely distributed in nature and is an
essential element for life. Its principal ore is apatite.
Properties
Phosphorus
is normally a white waxy solid, which is colourless and translucent,
- burns spontaneously in air to form phosphorus pentoxide and
must be stored under water,
- on exposure to sunlight, changes to red phosphorus which is
not as dangerous as white phosphorus.
Reactions
Uses
Phosphorus is used
- in steel alloys,
- in phosphor bronze, and
- in inorganic cleaning agents and water softeners.
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