Phosphorus (P): Fun Facts and Information About the Element

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Fun Facts about Phosphorus

What is the symbol? P
What is the atomic number? 15
What is the atomic weight? 30.9738
What is the melting point in Celsius? 44
What is the boiling point in Celsius? 280
What is the density (g/cm3)? 1.82
What percent of the earths crust? 0.13
What year was it discovered? 1669
Who discovered the element? Hennig Brand
What group is the element in? 15
What is the electron configuration? [Ne] 3s2 3p3
What is the ionization energy? 10.4867
What element category is it in? Other Nonmetals

Where is Phosphorus Found?

Never found free in nature, it is widely distributed in combination with minerals. Phosphate rock, which contains the mineral apatite, an impure tri-calcium phosphate, is an important source of the element. Large deposits are found in Russia, in Morocco, and in Florida, Tennessee, Utah, Idaho, and other areas around the world.

What is Phosphorus Used For?

In recent years, concentrated phosphoric acids have become of great importance to agriculture and farm production. Phosphates are used in the production of special glasses, such as those used for sodium lamps. Bone-ash –calcium phosphate– is used to create fine chinaware and to produce mono-calcium phosphate, used in baking powder. Phosphorus is also important in the production of steels, phosphor bronze, and many other products.

Resource by B.Sobey

I am a recent masters graduate from FL. I enjoy the beach, traveling, and writing. I just moved to South Carolina in hopes to find a job as a journalist.

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