Phosphorus (P)

About Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15, meaning every atom has 15 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Nonmetal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 30.974 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Phosphorus sits in group 15, period 3, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Phosphorus

In daily life and industry, Phosphorus is used for Fertilizer, matches. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Nonmetal category.

Electron Structure of Phosphorus

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Phosphorus has 3 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 5 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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