|
Phosphorus is one of the most vital elements for
the living system. In nature this element is in bones,
teeth, rocks and important chemicals. It also
contributes to the backbone of life. It is linked to the
DNA and RNA polymers and also gives energy to
biological systems. |
|
Phosphorus (symbol P) has an atomic number of fifteen and an atomic weight of 30.973761(2). It is in the fifteenth group and the third period in the periodic table. Its' group name is Pnictogen. Phosphorus is a solid at 298 K, and its' color is either red, silvery white or it is colorless. Phosphorus can be found in nervous tissue, bones and cell protoplasm. There are two different modifications of the element. It can either be a white, waxy solid or colorless and transparent (when in its pure form). Phosphorus is soluble in carbon disulphide but insoluble in water. It is very easy to catch on fire, and when heated it is changed to the red form.
There are many uses for phosphorus. First of all it is used in the making of safety matches, incendiary shells, smoke bombs and tracer bullets. It can also be very useful to farmers. It is put in fertilizers and pesticides. Some of phosphorus is used in the production of special glass used for sodium lamps. Calcium phosphate can be used to make chinaware. It is also a vital statistic tot he making of steel, bronze, and other products. When mixed with sodium it can be used as a cleaner, water softener, or a good way of preventing corrosion in pipes and boiler tubes. From matches to bombs, fertilizers to chinaware, Phosphorus is a very useful element in the environment around us.
