Phosphorus (P): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Phosphorus is element 15 on the periodic table, a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DPhosphorus quick facts
| Atomic number | 15 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | P |
| Atomic mass | 30.974 |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Group and period | Group 15, period 3 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s² 3p³ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 5 |
| Discovered | 1669, Brand |
What is phosphorus used for?
- Fertilisers (essential plant nutrient)
- Matches & safety flares
- Detergents & flame retardants
Interesting facts about phosphorus
- Phosphorus was discovered by boiling urine. Brand was searching for the philosopher's stone
- White phosphorus glows in the dark and was used in incendiary weapons and smoke screens in WWI
- Every DNA molecule contains a phosphate backbone. Life as we know it requires phosphorus
Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Brand in Germany.
Where phosphorus sits on the periodic table
Phosphorus is in group 15, period 3. Tap any element to open its page.
Other nonmetals
Phosphorus questions
What is the atomic number of phosphorus?
Phosphorus has atomic number 15, so every phosphorus atom has 15 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is P and its atomic mass is 30.974.
Is phosphorus a metal?
Phosphorus is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a nonmetal, found in group 15, period 3.
What is the electron configuration of phosphorus?
The electron configuration of phosphorus is [Ne] 3s² 3p³. Its electrons sit in 3 shells: 2, 8, 5.
What is phosphorus used for?
Phosphorus is used for fertilisers (essential plant nutrient), matches & safety flares and detergents & flame retardants.
Who discovered phosphorus?
Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Brand in Germany.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.