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Background Info
The name "Phosphorus" originated from the Greek word "phosphoros", meaning "the bringer of light". It was discovered by Hennig Brandt in a humorous way. He made urine evaporate, and heated the residue. The residue ended up being so hot that it turned red, where the phosphorous turned into vapor. He condensed it with water, and it became phosphorous. He decided to keep his invention a secret from everyone else, as he actually believed that he had created the philosopher's stone, one that could turn objects into gold. He ran short on money one day, so he sold it, and Robert Boyle decided to investigate it's chemical properties. Once he did so, it became more widely available across the world. This is how phosphorus (or P) came to be. Source: http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/15/phosphorus
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Important Information
Atomic Number: 15
Atomic Mass: 31 amu
Protons: 15
Neutrons: 16
Electrons: 15
Stable Isotopes: There is only one stable isotope of phosphorus, and that is 31P
Source: http://www.ptable.com
Some natural sources of phosphorus:
Pumpkin Seeds
Squash Seeds
Salmon
Carp
Source: https://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/high-phosphorus-foods.php
Major Uses:
Phosphorus is used in matches. The red material on the tips of matches that allow it to be lit is actually red phosphorus. White phosphorus is used in many other fire based things, as it is used for various pyrotechnics, and is also a key component in creating incendiary shells. Source:http://www.chemicool.com/elements/phosphorus.html
One of the biggest uses of phosphorus is in fertilizers. Phosphorus compounds are very useful to plants and are in fact essential for proper cell division and photosynthesis. Plants that suffer from a phosphorus deficiency usually end up not growing to their full height and usually having more of a dark green color. Including compounds in fertilizers mainly boost a plant's early growth, and make it much healthier. Source:http://passel.unl.edu/pages/informationmodule.php?idinformationmodule=1130447043&topicorder=2
Another use for phosphorus is that it is often integrated into the making of steel. The reason is because it usually creates a steel that is harder, and one that corrodes less as well, making it very important. However, phosphorus must be used in moderation, if at all, when making steel, as it can greatly lower the ductility of the metal. Source:http://www.totalmateria.com/page.aspx?ID=CheckArticle&site=kts&NM=211
Science Fact: Although phosphorus is found in many compounds in nature, it is actually impossible to find it uncombined in nature. Source:http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/15/phosphorus
Fun Fact: It was the 13th element discovered, and it contains many explosive capabilities. It can even spontaneously combust in air. Because of these reasons, it has been called by many "The Devil's Element" Source:http://www.softschools.com/facts/periodic_table/phosphorus_facts/198/
