Phosphorus is a non-metal that exists in two forms, white and red. It has an atomic number of 15 and atomic mass of 30.97. Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand through the distillation of urine. Phosphorus combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which gives strength to bones and teeth. It is widely used in matches and water softening due to its flammability.

1. Phosphorus
By: Christian Low
Tuesday, November 5, 13

2. Phosphorus
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Atomic Number: 15
Atomic Mass: 30.973762

3. Position on the Periodic
Table
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Family: Nitrogen Family
Group: 15
Period: 3

4. Atomic Particles
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Protons: 15
Electrons: 15
Neutrons: 16

5. Properties of
Phosphorus
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Phosphorus is a Non-Metal.
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It is widely distributed in many
minerals, mainly phosphates.
Elemental phosphorus exists in two
major forms—white phosphorus and
red phosphorus—but due to its high
reactivity, phosphorus is never found
as a free element on Earth.
Tuesday, November 5, 13

6. Discovery of
Phosphorus
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The discovery of phosphorus is credited to the German
alchemist Hennig Brand in 1669.
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Brand experimented with urine, which contains
considerable quantities of dissolved phosphates from
normal metabolism. Working in Hamburg, Brand
attempted to create the fabled philosopher's stone
through the distillation of some salts by evaporating
urine, and in the process produced a white material that
glowed in the dark and burned brilliantly. It was named
phosphorus mirabilis ("miraculous bearer of light").
Tuesday, November 5, 13

7. History of Phosphorus
• Phosphorus was the 13th element to be
discovered.
• For this reason, and also due to its use in
explosives, poisons and nerve agents, it is
sometimes referred to as "the Devil's
element".
• It was the first element to be discovered
that was not known since ancient times.
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8. Uses of Phosphorus
• Today, Phosphorus is
used in matches as
the special lighting
strip and is also used
in water softening.
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9. Phosphorus in our
Bodies
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Phosphorus is an important constituent in
every body tissue. The total amount
constitutes about one per cent of the body
weight. The amount of phosphorus in the
body is exceeded only by calcium.
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It combines with calcium to form a relatively
insoluble compound calcium phosphate,
which gives strength and rigidity to bones
and teeth.
Tuesday, November 5, 13

10. Sources
• "What Is the Importance of Phosphorus to
Human Body?" What Is the Importance of
Phosphorus to Human Body? N.p., n.d.
Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
• "Phosphorus." Wikipedia. Wikimedia
Foundation, 11 Feb. 2013. Web. 04 Nov.
2013.
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