
Phosphorus element (P) is in group 15 and period 3 of a periodic table. Phosphorus is in the p-block and it is classified as a nonmetal on the periodic table.
There is a lot more information related to phosphorus which is mentioned in the Information Table given below.
So let’s dive right into it!
Table of contents
- Phosphorus element (Information Table)
- Phosphorus element in Periodic table
- Facts about Phosphorus
- Properties of Phosphorus
- Uses of Phosphorus
Phosphorus Element (Information Table)
The important data related to phosphorus element is given in the table below.
Appearance of phosphorus | Yellow or Waxy white, Red, Violet, Metallic |
Atomic number of phosphorus | 15 |
Symbol of phosphorus | P |
Atomic mass of phosphorus | 30.974 u |
Protons, Neutrons & Electrons in phosphorus | Protons: 15, Neutrons: 16, Electrons: 15 |
State of phosphorus (at STP) | Solid |
Group number of phosphorus in periodic table | 15 |
Period number of phosphorus in periodic table | 3 |
Block of phosphorus in periodic table | p-block |
Category of phosphorus | Nonmetals (pnictogens) |
Bohr model or Electrons per shell or Electrons arrangement in phosphorus | 2, 8, 5 |
Electron configuration of phosphorus | [Ne] 3s2 3p3 |
Orbital diagram of phosphorus | ![]() |
Valence electrons in phosphorus | 5 |
Electronegativity of phosphorus (on pauling scale) | 2.19 |
Atomic radius of phosphorus (van der Waals radius) | 180 picometers |
Density of phosphorus | 1.823 g/cm3 |
1st ionization energy of phosphorus | 10.487 eV |
Main isotope of phosphorus | 31P |
Melting point of phosphorus | 317.3 K or 44.15 °C or 111.5 °F |
Boiling point of phosphorus | 553.7 K or 280.5 °C or 536.9 °F |
Crystal structure of phosphorus | Orthorhombic |
Discovery of phosphorus | By Hennig Brand in 1669 |
Also see: Interactive Periodic Table (It has rotating bohr models as well as many other details of all the 118 elements in a single periodic table).
Phosphorus element in Periodic table
The Phosphorus element (P) has the atomic number 15 and is located in group 15 and period 3. Phosphorus is a nonmetal and it is classified as a pnictogen element.
H | He | ||||||||||||||||
Li | Be | B | C | N | O | F | Ne | ||||||||||
Na | Mg | Al | Si | P | S | Cl | Ar | ||||||||||
K | Ca | Sc | Ti | V | Cr | Mn | Fe | Co | Ni | Cu | Zn | Ga | Ge | As | Se | Br | Kr |
Rb | Sr | Y | Zr | Nb | Mo | Tc | Ru | Rh | Pd | Ag | Cd | In | Sn | Sb | Te | I | Xe |
Cs | Ba | La* | Hf | Ta | W | Re | Os | Ir | Pt | Au | Hg | Tl | Pb | Bi | Po | At | Rn |
Fr | Ra | Ac** | Rf | Db | Sg | Bh | Hs | Mt | Ds | Rg | Cn | Nh | Fl | Mc | Lv | Ts | Og |
*Ce | Pr | Nd | Pm | Sm | Eu | Gd | Tb | Dy | Ho | Er | Tm | Yb | Lu | ||||
**Th | Pa | U | Np | Pu | Am | Cm | Bk | Cf | Es | Fm | Md | No | Lr |
Facts about phosphorus
Here are a few interesting facts about phosphorus element.
- It is believed that the phosphorus is present on the earth because of meteorites (source).
- Phosphorus element is the 11th most abundant element present in the earth’s crust.
- The amount of white phosphorus present in the earth’s crust is approximately 1050 ppm by weight.
- The phosphorus element is also found in the human body and it is approximately 750 grams. The bones as well as DNA and RNA contain phosphorus.
- The pure phosphorus can harm the human body.
- White phosphorus causes chemical burns, when it comes in contact with the human body.
Properties of phosphorus
Here is a list of some physical properties and chemical properties of phosphorus.
Physical properties of phosphorus
- Phosphorus has a waxy white appearance, but it is also found in other colors like red, yellow, and metallic color.
- As phosphorus is a nonmetal, it is a bad conductor of heat and electricity. But the phosphorus that is having a metallic color can conduct electricity.
- The melting point and boiling point of white phosphorus are 44.15 °C and 280.5 °C respectively.
- The white phosphorus glows in the air.
Chemical properties of phosphorus
- Phosphorus is always found with other elements in the earth’s crust because it is a chemically reactive element.
- White phosphorus is very reactive and because of this reason, it is kept in water.
- Phosphorus forms phosphides when it is heated with metals.
- Phosphorus also reacts with halogens.
- Phosphorus has many isotopes, but the only stable isotope is 31P.
Uses of phosphorus
Here are some uses of the phosphorus element.
- The main use of phosphorus is in making fertilizers.
- Sodium triphosphate is a compound of phosphorus that is used in making detergents.
- The red phosphorus is used on the matchbox for igniting the matchsticks.
- Dicalcium phosphate is a compound of phosphorus that is used in toothpaste which acts as a polishing agent.
- Flares, LEDs as well as matchsticks also use phosphorus.
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