57 Fascinating Facts about Phosphorus

Today, we will light up our minds with some glowing facts about a really cool element called phosphorus. Phosphorus is not something you see every day, but it’s all around us in nature and is super important. So, grab your lab coats and safety goggles, and let’s get ready to explore the sparkling world of phosphorus with these facts about phosphorus!

Did you know that phosphorus is a part of the periodic table? That’s like a big chart of all the different building blocks that make up everything in our world. Phosphorus has a special symbol, “P,” and it’s number 15 on the periodic table. It’s like having a secret code in the world of science!

Phosphorus is really unique because it can glow in the dark. How cool is that? Long ago, people used phosphorus to make matches that could light up easily. But don’t worry; today’s matches are much safer, and phosphorus isn’t used in the same way.

Another amazing fact about phosphorus is that it’s super important for plants and our bodies. It helps plants grow strong and healthy, and in our bodies, it works with calcium to make our bones strong. So, when you drink milk or eat a healthy snack, you’re getting phosphorus to help you grow!

Are you excited to learn more facts about phosphorus? From its glowing properties to how it helps us every day, phosphorus is a shining star in the world of science. Let’s keep exploring and discover all the bright and brilliant facts about phosphorus!

Be sure to discover even more interesting facts with our Facts About the Nervous System and our Facts about James Madison.

Facts about Phosphorus

1. Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand in Germany.
2. The name of the element comes from the Greek word phosphorus, which means “bringer of light.”
3. Phosphorus is a non-metal element that belongs to the nitrogen family on the periodic table.
4. Phosphorus Atomic Number: 15
5. Phosphorus has an Atomic weight (average mass of the atom) of 30.973762.
6. Phosphorus Atomic symbol (on the Periodic Table of Elements): P.
7. There are about 750 grams of phosphorus in the average adult.
8. Natural phosphorus consists of one stable isotope, phosphorus-31. At least 23 isotopes of the element are known.
9. Phosphorus is obtained from calcium phosphate by heating the rock in a furnace to yield tetraphosphorus vapor. The vapor is condensed into phosphorus underwater to prevent ignition.
10. Phosphorus is used in the production of steel, detergents, flares, matches, and fireworks.
11. The primary use of phosphorus is for fertilizer production.
12. Phosphorus is the sixth most common element in the human body.
13. About 85% of the phosphorus in our bodies is found in our bones and teeth, providing strength and structure.
14. Phosphorus supports the growth and repair of cells and tissues.
15. Phosphorus promotes normal muscle and nerve function.
16. Phosphorus maintains normal kidney function.
17. Phosphorus lab tests are used to evaluate the level of phosphorus in the blood to aid in medical diagnosis.
18. Low phosphorus in children may cause a decline in growth and poor bone and tooth development.
19. Too much phosphorus in the diet may lead to adverse effects on bone, kidney, and heart health (Calvo and Uribarri 2013b).
20. Phosphorus supplements can be used by athletes before matches and heavy exercise workouts with the goal of reducing muscle pain and fatigue.
21. Phosphorus, the 15th element on the periodic table, was first distilled by an alchemist searching for gold.
22. Phosphoric acid is added to soft drinks to improve shelf life. It prevents the growth of molds and bacteria in sugary drinks, such as in cola or soda.
23. There is no source of soluble phosphorus fertilizer in organic agriculture.
24. There are currently 3 main sources of phosphorus that are derived from natural sources that can be certified organic: bat guano, rock phosphate, and bone meal.
25. Overuse of phosphorus and phosphates in the environment causes algae to bloom in rivers and lakes. The excess algae use up all the dissolved oxygen in the water, and fish (and the algae) die.
26. Phosphorus can be a pollutant when it causes too much algae to grow.
27. Phosphorescence is a phenomenon where certain substances emit light after being exposed to radiation.
28. Red phosphorus (provided it is not contaminated with white phosphorus) is considered non-toxic.
29. The white form (sometimes called yellow phosphorus) resembles wax, the red and violet forms are noncrystalline solids, while the black allotrope resembles graphite in pencil lead.
30. White phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air, producing a green-white light. Red phosphorus needs friction to ignite it, hence its use in matches.
31. Red phosphorus is found on the side of matchboxes. Red phosphorus is formed when white phosphorus is heated to 250 ºC and forms a vapor. The vapor is then collected underwater.
32. White phosphorus glows in the dark and can spontaneously combust in the air.
33. White phosphorus is highly toxic. Skin contact can result in severe burns.
34. Phosphorus is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust at a concentration of about 1,050 parts per million, by weight.
35. The lethal dose of white phosphorus is around 50 mg.
36. Phosphorus is highly reactive. It is not found free in nature but is typically found in its oxidized state called phosphate.
37. Phosphorus has a wide array of biological functions in plants.
38. Phosphorus forms the main structure of all cell membranes as phospholipids.
39. Phosphorus is essential to life. Phosphates (PO4-3 ions) are a major part of each molecule of DNA and RNA. They are the P in ADP and ATP, the molecules responsible for energy transport in the cell.
40. Phosphorus regulates heartbeat.
41. Phosphorus maintains normal kidney function.
42. The Phosphorus Atomic symbol (on the Periodic Table of Elements): P.
43. Phosphorus Atomic Number: 15
44. Phosphorus has an Atomic weight (average mass of the atom) of 30.973762.
45. There are about 750 grams of phosphorus in the average adult.
46. Phosphorus is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, except for black phosphorus.
47. All types of phosphorus are solid at room temperature.
48. While the properties of phosphorus depend on the allotrope, they share common nonmetallic characteristics.
49. There are at least five phosphorus allotropes (physical forms).
50. Under ordinary conditions, red and white phosphorus are the most common forms.
51. Red phosphorus is made by heating white phosphorus to 300 oC in the absence of air.
52. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, phosphorus may have been brought to Earth by meteorites.
53. Phosphorus is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust at a concentration of about 1,050 parts per million, by weight.
54. There is no source of soluble phosphorus fertilizer in organic agriculture.
55. Phosphorus is highly reactive. It is not found free in nature but is typically found in its oxidized state called phosphate.
56. White phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air, producing a green-white light. Red phosphorus needs friction to ignite it, hence its use in matches.
57. Phosphoric acid is added to soft drinks to improve shelf life. It prevents the growth of molds and bacteria in sugary drinks, such as in cola or soda.

Do you have even more interesting facts about phosphorus? Share them with us in the comments!