Red Phosphorus Research Paper

The element name given is Phosphorus, it is symbolized in on the periodic table as a P. Its atomic number is 15 and the atomic mass is 30.974 (which is a rounded number). Group number the element is apart of on the periodic table is 15. Phosphorus’ listed isotopes are P-31 (stable) and 23 others and its electron configuration is [Ne]3s2 3p2. Physical properties of the element are varied depending on which allotrope of the element you are talking about. White Phosphorus has a melting point of 44.2 degrees C and a boiling point of 280.0 degrees C, its density is 1.05 ounces per cubic inch. Phosphorus is a solid at room temperature, a nonmetal and its crystal structure is monoclinic. Red Phosphorus (which is produced by heating white) has no melting point but sublimes at a temperature of 416 degrees C and a density of 2.34 grams per cubic centimeter. Black Phosphorus (looks like graphite) is made by exposing white Phosphorus to high pressures, has a density of 2.06 to 2.21 ounces per cubic inch. Its unusual property is that it conducts electric current even though it is a nonmetal. Through the process of chemiluminescence (means the process of emitting light and not producing heat), white Phosphorus glows when exposed to damp air. Also, white Phosphorus reacts vigorously to all halogens at room temperature, which forms Phosphorus trihalides. Phosphorus does not …show more content…
Brand was known to be the “Last of all alchemists”. Brand was in search of finding whether the key to changing base metals into gold was through human urine. Through a process of heating urine, he discovered a white waxy substance that seemed to glow. The name Phosphorus originated from the Greek term phosphoros which means “to bear light”. An old story that has been passed along is that one of Brand’s servants left a piece of Phosphorus on top of Hennig’s pillow and the bed caught fire because the element spontaneously erupted into