What is phosphorus? Origin / Meaning of the name Phosphorus The name originates from the Greek words phos meaning light and phoros meaning bearer creating the term 'bringing light' because white phosphorus oxidizes spontaneously in air and glows in the dark. What is phosphorus? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Phosphorus Element Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Phosphorus is classified as an element in the 'Non-Metals' section which can be located in groups 14,15 and 16 of the Periodic Table. Non-metallic elements exist, at room temperature, in two of the three states of matter: gases (Oxygen, Hydrogen & Nitrogen) and solids (Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Selenium). For additional facts and info see Phosphorus Properties. What is phosphorus? The Discovery of Phosphorus The element phosphorus was discovered by the alchemist Hennig Brand, of Hamburg, in 1669, while searching for the philosopher's stone. It is prepared from urine and was the first element to be chemically discovered. Owing to its peculiar properties and the secrecy which was maintained about its preparation, it remained a very rare and costly substance until the demand for it in the manufacture of matches brought about its production on a large scale. Hennig Brand (c. 1630 – c. 1710) What is phosphorus? Facts about the History of the Discovery of Phosphorus Element Properties within each individual group are similar, but nevertheless vary within a group. Generally chemical activity decreases as the period increases a non-metal group and increases as the period increases within a metal group. The first element in a group is always an active metal, the last is always an inactive non-metal. What is phosphorus? Occurrence of the Phosphorus Element Owing to its great chemical activity phosphorus never occurs free in nature. In the form of phosphates it is very abundant and widely distributed. Phosphorite and sombrerite are mineral forms of Calcium phosphate, while apatite consists of calcium phosphate together with calcium fluoride or chloride. These minerals form very large deposits and are extensively mined for use as fertilizers. Calcium phosphate is a constituent of all fertile soil, having been supplied to the soil by the disintegration of rocks containing it. It is the chief mineral constituent of bones of animals, and bone ash is therefore nearly pure calcium phosphate. Occurs naturally in phosphates, especially apatite, and existing in three allotropic forms Found in USA, Russia, Africa Abundances of the element in different environments % in Universe 0.0007% % in Sun 0.0007% % in Meteorites 0.11% % in Earth's Crust 0.099% % in Oceans 7×10-6% % in Humans 1.1% Medical Uses of Phosphorus - Health and Treatments Interesting information is contained in the following table of Medical Uses of Phosphorus, Health and Treatments.
Medical uses of Phosphorus - Health and Treatments | Medical Disorders | Medical Symptoms | Uses of Phosphorus & Treatments | Chronic lymphocytic leukemia | Various symptoms | Phosphorus 32 is used as a radiopharmaceutical as a colloid with chromium | Medical Disorders | Medical Symptoms | Uses of Phosphorus & Treatments |
A useful reference providing information regarding the medical uses of Phosphorus, associated health issues and disorders and treatments using Phosphorus preparations. Associated Uses of Phosphorus A well known use of red phosphorus is the safety match. The red phosphorus 'safety' matches were invented by fellow Gustaf Erik Pasch in 1855. The safety aspect was that the match did not contain all the elements for combustion. This was achieved by a chemical reaction between the match head and the striking surface. Safety matches Pyrotechnics Incendiary shells and bombs Fertilizers Steel production Pesticides |