Phosphorus

Atomic Number: 15
Symbol: P
Atomic Mass: 30.97 u
Number of Neutrons: 16
Melting Point: 280.5°C
Boiling Point: 280.5°C
Electrons per shell: 2.8.5
Ion charge: 3-
Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p³

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Phosphorus is the 15th element in the periodic table. It is a non-metal and exists in two major forms. Those 2 forms are white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Both types of phosphorus is can be found in water, soil and sediments. White phosphorus is very unstable and extremelty reactive. Gradually light and heat makes the white phosphorus transform into red phosphorus, which is less reactive. White phosphorus has to be stored in water to prevent natural combustion, while red phosphorus is stable in air. Phosphorus is in the formation of bones, and it helps in how carbohydrates and fats affect our body. This element is found in numerous of foods like meats, fish, nuts, beans and dairy products. Phosphorus was first made by Hennig Brandt in Hamburg in Germany in 1669. The name, phosphorus, derives from the Greek "phosphoros" which means "bringing light" because it can sometimes glow in the dark.

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