M.L.M.S. Site

Periodic Table
Elemental Facts: 
Symbol
 P
Atomic Number
 15
Atomic Mass
 30.97376 amu
Electron Configuration
 2,8,5
 (Ca3(PO4)2)
Valence Number 5
Melting Point 317.3°K, 44.3°C, 111.7°F
Boiling Point 553°K, 280°C, 536°F
Family
 15, Nitrogen Family 
Series
 3
Element Classification
 Non-Metal
Density
 @ 293 K 1.82 g/cm3
Crystal Structure Monoclinic
   State of Matter
 Solid
Date of Discovery
 1669
Person Who Discovered Hennig Brand

 
Historical Facts and Elements Uses:
Phosphorus was discovered in 1669.  There are three different types of phosphorus they are:  White phosphorus, it is a white waxy, and soft substance.  It turns yellow and red in the light and it glows in the dark.  Of all of the kinds of phosphorus it is the most explosive.  The second kind is Red Phosphorus is made by heating white phosphorus or putting it into sunlight under pressure.  It helps make safety matches.  The third kind of phosphorus is Black Phosphorus it is also made by the heating of white phosphorus, but you need you need to have mercury, catalyst, and a seed crystal.  With Black Phosphorus you cannot light as easily as the other two.

You need phosphorus for healthy teeth, bones, tissue, and muscle. Plants and animals both contain phosphorus without it they could not live. Phosphorus is used in the photosynthesis process. Most of the phosphorus in our bodies exists in the teeth and bones.  Phosphorus comes from a rock called a phosphate rock.

        For more information see:
 
This is only available to World Book Online Subscribers.

 
Bibliography:
"The Periodic Table", Elements.Chart/Poster.GrolierEducational

"Phosphorus" World Book Millenium 2000 2000 volume,15P,p.401and402

Bentor,Yinon "Chemical Elements.com-Phosphorus." 1996-2000.http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/p.html;3 Dec 2001,1995-2001

Barbalance,Kenneth "KLBP Productions-com,"http://www.enviromentachemastry.com/yogi/periodic/p.html,3 Dec 2001

"Phosphorus."British Columbia Institute of Technology."http://nobel.scas.bcit.ca/resource/ptable/p.htm", 12 Dec. 2001

 
Periodic Table Links
Alphabetical Elements

 
Created By:
 Chelsea & Melissa 
Last Updated:
 12-6-01