Phosphorus | Name | Phosphorus | | Symbol | P | | Atomic Number | 15 | | Atomic Mass | 30.974 atomic mass units | | Number of Protons | 15 | | Number of Neutrons | 16 | | Number of Electrons | 15 | | Melting Point | 44.1° C | | Boiling Point | 280.0° C | | Density | 1.82 grams per cubic centimeter | | Normal Phase | Solid | | Family | Nonmetals | | Period | 3 | | Cost | $4 per 100 grams | | Origin of Name | From Greek words phos, meaning light and phoros meaning bearer | | Date and Place of Discovery | In 1669 in Germany | | Discovered by | Hennig Brand | | Common Compounds | - Ammonium phosphate (NH4)3PO4)
- Phosphoric acid (H3PO4)
| | Interesting facts | - It is not found free in nature but is found in many different minerals.
- It was first made commercially for the match industry in the 19th century.
| | Common Uses | - It is an essential nutrient for all plant and animal life.
- It is used in inorganic fertilizer.
- Detergents
- Flame-retardants
- Corrosion inhibitors
- Scale inhibitors in water heaters and boilers
- Pesticides
| Photo Courtesy of About.com Australian Department of Environment Chemical Elements Wikipedia | | Phosphorus Atomic Structure | Elements by Name | Elements by Number | Home | |
