Phosphorus, denoted by the chemical symbol P and atomic number 15, is a non-metallic chemical element. It is an essential element for life and has a wide range of industrial applications.

Chemical Properties of Phosphorus:

  • Phosphorus is highly reactive and readily forms compounds with many other elements, including oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine.
  • It exists in several different allotropes, including white, red, and black phosphorus.
  • White phosphorus is highly flammable and reacts explosively with air, while red and black phosphorus are less reactive.

Physical Properties of Phosphorus:

  • Phosphorus is a white, yellow, or red solid at room temperature and pressure, depending on the allotrope.
  • It has a melting point of 44.1°C and a boiling point of 280°C.
  • Phosphorus is a relatively dense element, with a density of 1.82 g/cm³.

Valency of Phosphorus:

  • Phosphorus has a valency of -3, +3, and +5.
  • It readily accepts three or five valence electrons to form covalent compounds.

Electronic Configuration of Phosphorus:

  • The electron configuration of phosphorus is [Ne] 3s2 3p3.
  • It has five valence electrons that are easily donated or accepted to form covalent compounds.

Uses of Phosphorus:

  • Phosphorus is used in the production of fertilizers, which provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
  • It is used in the production of detergents and other cleaning products.
  • Phosphorus is also used in the production of steel, as well as in the production of electronics and other high-tech products.

Reactions of Phosphorus with Other Elements:

  • Phosphorus reacts readily with oxygen to form phosphorus oxide, which can further react with water to form phosphoric acid.
  • It can also react with other elements, such as sulfur and chlorine, to form phosphorus sulfide and phosphorus trichloride, respectively.

Balanced equations for Reactions of Phosphorus with Other Elements

Phosphorus + Oxygen -> Phosphorus Pentoxide

4 P + 5 O2 -> 2 P2O5

Phosphorus + Chlorine -> Phosphorus Trichloride

2 P + 3 Cl2 -> 2 PCl3

Phosphorus + Bromine -> Phosphorus Tribromide

2 P + 3 Br2 -> 2 PBr3

Phosphorus + Iodine -> Phosphorus Triiodide

2 P + 3 I2 -> 2 PI3

Phosphorus + Hydrogen -> Phosphine

P4 + 6 H2 -> 4 PH3

Phosphorus + Sulfur -> Phosphorus Trisulfide

P4 + 3 S8 -> 4 P4S3

Industrial Uses of Phosphorus:

  • Phosphorus is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including in the production of fertilizers, cleaning products, and steel.
  • It is also used in the production of electronics and other high-tech products.

Medical Uses of Phosphorus:

  • Phosphorus is an essential element for life and is found in DNA and RNA, as well as in many other biological molecules.
  • It is used in some medications to treat conditions such as hypophosphatemia.

Chemical and Physical Properties of Phosphorus in a table

Property Description
Chemical Symbol P
Atomic Number 15
Valency -3, +3, and +5
Electron Configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p3
Physical State Solid
Melting Point 44.1°C
Boiling Point 280°C
Density 1.82 g/cm³
Color White, yellow, or red
Reactivity Highly reactive
Solubility Soluble in water and some organic solvents
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