Phosphorus -- by Ryan Dragan

Why is this element important in everyday life?

Phosphorus is the most abundant element found in the earth's crust. It plays an important role in living matter, where it is involved in bio chemical synthesis and energy transfer. Bones are 60% calcium Phosphate. 90% of phosphate rock being mined is converted to use in agricultural fertilizers. Soil needs phosphorus to promote healthy plant growth. It is made in matches and television manufacturing.

Where is this element found in nature?

Only element in-group V not found in nature. "Phosphate rock "(rock containing phosphorus) is finely ground up and processed for workable phosphorus.

What are the properties of the element?

General Characteristics =

combusts in oxygen, yellow solid in room temperature

Atomic Symbol = P

Period Number = 3

Group Number and Family Name = Group 15 Nitrogen Family

Atomic Number = 15

Atomic Mass = 30.974

Density = 1.82(g/cm³)

Melting Point = 44.1

Boiling Point = 280

Electron Configuration = 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p³

Shorthand Notation = P-[Ne]3s²3p³

Common Reactions = combust with oxygen

Interesting Information =

Who is ?

TRIAL 1969 There was a great tragedy in the world of elements; someone had stolen all the gold element it was no longer in the periodic table. A great trial was held to see who did it. All the elements were there. Silicon claimed that phosphorus was the culprit and the lawyer proceeded to reveal the truth. Silicon was asked to describe the circumstances surrounding the crime. Silicon said gold was taken from a store in the mall. Ah ha the lawyer said phosphorus combusts in air, which makes the mall impossible for phosphorus to survive in. Silicon said phosphorus had a suit filled with water so he would not combust. The lawyer ask what the temperature was in the room gold was taken from. Silicon said it was about 100 degrees Celsius. Ah ha phosphorus would have melted at 44.4 degrees Celsius so it could not have been phosphorus. Phosphorus was found not guilty and silicon got in trouble for lying and was found guilty for taking the gold.