Phosphorus
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Information About Phosphorus
Interesting Info
- Phosphorus is an element on the periodic table
- Its atomic symbol is P and its atomic number is 15 and its atomic mass is 30.973762
- Phosphorus contains 15 protons, 16 neutrons, and 15 electrons
- The melting point of phosphorus is 111.6º F (44.2º C) and the boiling point is 536.9º F (280.5º C)
- The normal phase of phosphorus is a solid, with the most stable form being red phosphorus
- The cost of red phosphorus is 30$ for 100g
- Phosphorus is classified as a nonmetal and belongs to the nonmetal family
- The nonmetal family also includes other elements such as Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Sulfur, and Selenium
- Phosphorus' name originated from the Greek word "phosphoros" meaning "light bringer''
- It was first discovered by Hennig Brand in 1669
Interesting Info
- Phosphorus is used in some detergents as a water softener to prevent corrosion, but also banned in some countries
- Hennig was an alchemist and like other alchemists had been searching for the "philosopher's stone"
- He discovered the element by trying to distill salt with urine, and after letting it sit for days it created a white material that glowed in the dark and burned brightly
- Phosphorus is widely used in safety matches, pyrotechnics, fertilizers, and steel production
- White Phosphorus is used by the military smoke bombs and tracer ammunition
- The acid is a starting point for food phosphates such as ones found in baking powder and is sometimes used to improve processed meat and cheese