Phosphorus has several forms, including white and red phosphorus.
Uses and research
Phosphates occur in DNA and in many fertilizers.
Nonmetals take many forms
Nonmetals do not all share one appearance or behavior. Some are gases, others solids, and different structures of the same element can have different properties, as graphite and diamond demonstrate. After identifying the atom type, ask how atoms are combined: as individual atoms, molecules or extended structures.
What the atomic number tells us
Phosphorus has atomic number 15. This is the number of protons in its nucleus. A neutral atom also has 15 electrons. Losing or gaining electrons makes an ion; it does not change the element unless the proton count changes.
The model's rings help count electrons by shell. They are not actual circular paths. A model of one atom and the properties of a whole material are different levels of description.
Temperature and state
25°C: Solid
Illustrative particle motion: sizes, distances and speeds are not to scale. Particles represent atoms or molecules.
← CoolHeat →
Melting point 44.15°C / Boiling point 280.5°C
Values for white phosphorus; other allotropes differ.
Pure element at 1 atmosphere. Image conditions are explained in captions. Pictures do not change with temperature.