30.974
Atomic Mass (u)
44.15 C
Melting Point
280.5 C
Boiling Point
1.823 g/cm3
Density
2.19
Electronegativity
[Ne] 3s2 3p3
Electron Config
3
Period
15
Group
📖 About Phosphorus
Essential for all life as a component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and cell membranes. White phosphorus is dangerously toxic and ignites spontaneously in air at about 30 C. Red phosphorus is stable and used in match heads. Phosphorus was the first element discovered by a recognizable scientific process, isolated from urine in 1669.
🔧 Uses and Applications
- Fertilizers (phosphate rocks)
- DNA and RNA backbone
- ATP energy molecules in cells
- Match heads (red phosphorus)
- Flame retardants
💡 Did You Know?
Fact: Phosphorus was first discovered by Hennig Brand, an alchemist who evaporated large quantities of urine hoping to find gold. Instead he found a glowing white substance that burned in air, which he called "cold fire" (phosphorus comes from Greek for "light-bearer").