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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.
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Medical uses of Phosphorus - Health and Treatments |
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Medical
Disorders |
Medical
Symptoms |
Uses of
Phosphorus & Treatments |
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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 |
