15

P

Phosphorus
30.973762 (2)
 Historical Information

Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand, who prepared it from urine. Not less than 50-60 buckets per experiment in fact, each of which required more than a fortnight to complete.
Basic Information Shells
  • Name:Phosphorus
  • Symbol: P
  • Atomic number: 14
  • Atomic weight:30.973762 (2)
  • Standard state: solid at 298 K
  • Group in periodic table: 15
  • Group name: Pnictogen
  • Period in periodic table: 3
  • Block in periodic table: p-block
  • Classification: Non-metallic
 phosphorus
Uses Trivia
  • used in the manufacture of safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, smoke bombs, tracer bullets, etc.
  • ertilisers
  • pesticides

White phosphorus has two modifications. Ordinary phosphorus is a waxy white solid. When pure, it is colourless and transparent. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in carbon disulphide.