Phosphorus-31

Phosphorus is an element that is used in fertilizers and detergents. Through the two pictures below, you can tell that phosphorus is a non-metal. Non-metals are not good conductors of heat or electricity. They are typically brittle and have no luster. Phosphorus has a density of 1.82 grams per cm 3. This means that phosphorus would sink if put into water. Anything that has a density higher than 1 gram per cm 3 sinks. Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand. A typical phosphorus atom has 15 protons, 16 neutrons, and 15 electrons as shown in the play-doh model below.



media type="file" key="iyf_phosphorus.wmv"