Phosphorus
Reactive Nonmetal
Phosphorus (P) is a chemical element with atomic number 15, classified as a reactive nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand.
Properties
- Atomic number
- 15
- Atomic mass
- 30.974 u
- Category
- Reactive Nonmetal
- Group
- 15
- Period
- 3
- Block
- p-block
- Electron configuration
- [Ne] 3s² 3p³
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 1.82 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 317.3 K (44.2 °C)
- Boiling point
- 553.65 K (280.5 °C)
- Electronegativity
- 2.19
- Atomic radius
- 98 pm
- Ionization energy
- 10.487 eV
- Discovery
- 1669 · Hennig Brand
Common uses
Fertilizers, matches, fireworks, DNA/RNA, bones and teeth
Did you know?
Glows in the dark when exposed to oxygen and is essential for all life.
Compounds you can make with phosphorus
Phosphorus appears in 3 compounds in our periodic table sandbox. Each one is a real substance with its true chemical formula — combine the right elements in the right ratio below to discover it.
-
PH3
Phosphine
A toxic, flammable gas with a garlic-like odor.
-
H3PO4
Phosphoric Acid
A mild acid that gives cola its tang and is used in rust removal.
-
P2O5
Phosphorus Pentoxide
A white powder so thirsty for water it’s used to dry gases and liquids.