Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus (P, element 15) is a nonmetal in group 15, period 3. Atomic mass 30.974, electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p³, uses and facts.
About Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a nonmetal with the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 15, period 3 of the periodic table. Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand.
Phosphorus key facts
- Atomic number: 15
- Symbol: P
- Atomic mass: 30.974 u
- Category: nonmetal
- Group: 15
- Period: 3
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p³
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.19
- Melting point: 317.3 K (44.15 °C)
- Boiling point: 553.65 K (280.5 °C)
- Density: 1.823 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −3, −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of phosphorus is [Ne] 3s² 3p³. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.
Uses of phosphorus
- Fertilizers
- Matches
- DNA backbone
Did you know?
Discovered by boiling urine. White phosphorus glows in the dark, that's where 'phosphorescence' comes from.
Other elements in group 15 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of phosphorus?
The atomic number of phosphorus is 15, which means every phosphorus atom has 15 protons.
What is the electron configuration of phosphorus?
The electron configuration of phosphorus is [Ne] 3s² 3p³.
What group and period is phosphorus in?
Phosphorus is a nonmetal in group 15, period 3.
What state is phosphorus at room temperature?
Phosphorus is a solid at room temperature.
What is phosphorus used for?
Phosphorus is used for fertilizers, matches, DNA backbone.