Phosphorus - Periodic Table of the Elements

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PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS version 1.7


 P

English:  Phosphorus
French: Phosphore
Croatian: Fosfor
German: Phosphor
Italian: Fosforo


Atomic number: 15
Group numbers: 15
Period: 3
Standard state (20 °C): solid

Phosphorus was discovered by Hennig Brandt (Germany) in 1669. The origin of the name comes from the Greek word phosphoros meaning bringer of light. White phosphorus is white to yellow soft, waxy phosphorescent solid with acrid fumes. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Red phosphorus is powdery, non-flammable and non-toxic.

Electronic configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p³
Relative atomic mass: 30.973761(2)
Formal oxidation number: -3 +3 +5

Electronegativities: 2.19
Thermal conductivity: 0.235 W/(m K)
Electrical resistivity (20 °C): 1E+17 μΩcm

Atomic radius: 110.5 pm
Density (g/dm3): 1820 (white, 293 K) 
2200 (red, 293 K) 
2690 (black, 293 K)
Molar volume (cm3/mol): 17.02 (white, 293 K) 
14.08 (red, 293 K) 
11.51 (black, 293 K)

Melting point: 44.15 °C
Boiling point: 280.5 °C
Critical temperature: 721 °C

Heat of fusion: 2.51 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization: 51.9 kJ/mol
Heat of atomization: 314 kJ/mol

Phosphorus is found most often in phosphate rock. Pure form is obtained by heating a mixture of phosphate rock, coke and silica to about 1450 °C. Used in the production of fertilizers and detergents. Some is used in fireworks, safety matches and incendiary weapons. Phosphorus is also important in the production of steels, phosphor bronze and many other products. The price of 99 % pure phosphorus powder is 43.90 € for 500 g. 14Si <= 15P => 16S ___________________ If you have comments, corrections or suggestions about this site, please send me a e-mail. Periodic Table of the Elements __________________________________ Last modified: 29.03.2003 Copyright © 1998-2003 by Eni Generalic