Phosphorus (P) — Reactive nonmetal. Atomic number 15.
White, red, or black allotropes
- Atomic number: 15
- Symbol: P
- Atomic mass: 30.974 u
- Category: Reactive nonmetal
- State: Solid
- Melting point: 44.15 °C / 317.3 K
- Boiling point: 280.55 °C / 553.7 K
- Density: 1.82 g/cm³ (20°C)
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p3
- Oxidation states: −3, +3, +5
- Electronegativity: 2.19
- Discovered by: Hennig Brand (1669)
Common uses: Fertilizers, Matches, Steel treatment, Detergents
Biological role: Essential for DNA, ATP, bones, and cell membranes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phosphorus
What is the atomic number of phosphorus?
Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15, meaning each atom contains 15 protons in its nucleus.
What is the atomic mass of phosphorus?
The standard atomic weight of phosphorus is 30.974 u (unified atomic mass units).
What category does phosphorus belong to?
Phosphorus is classified as a reactive nonmetal.
What is the state of phosphorus at room temperature?
Phosphorus is a solid at 20 °C (68 °F).
What is the melting point of phosphorus?
The melting point of phosphorus is 44.15 °C / 317.3 K.
What is the boiling point of phosphorus?
The boiling point of phosphorus is 280.55 °C / 553.7 K.
What is the density of phosphorus?
The density of phosphorus is 1.82 g/cm³ (20°C).
What is the electronegativity of phosphorus?
Phosphorus has a Pauling electronegativity of 2.19.
What is the electron configuration of phosphorus?
The electron configuration of phosphorus is [Ne] 3s2 3p3.
What are the common oxidation states of phosphorus?
Phosphorus commonly exhibits the following oxidation states: −3, +3, +5.
When was phosphorus discovered?
Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand.
Is phosphorus radioactive?
Phosphorus is a stable element with no naturally occurring radioactive isotopes.
What is the biological role of phosphorus?
Essential for DNA, ATP, bones, and cell membranes.
What are the common uses of phosphorus?
Phosphorus is used for: Fertilizers; Matches; Steel treatment; Detergents.
