Phosphorus

This article is about the chemical element. For the article about Phosphorus meaning "morning star", go to Phosphorus (morning star).

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Phosphorus, (from the Greek language Phosphoros meaning "light bearing"), is the chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. A multivalent, nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus is commonly found in inorganic phosphate rocks and in all living cells. Due to its high reactivity, it is never found as a free element in nature. It emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen (hence its name, Latin for 'morning star', from Greek words meaning 'light' and 'bring'), occurs in several allotropic forms, and is an essential element for living organisms. The most important commercial use of phosphorus is in the production of fertilizers. It is also widely used in explosives, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste, and detergents.

Related Topics:
Greek language - Chemical element - Periodic table - Atomic number - Multivalent - Nonmetal - Nitrogen group - Oxygen - Latin - Allotropic - Fertilizer - Explosive - Match - Firework - Pesticide - Toothpaste - Detergent

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