Name:  Phosphorus

Atomic Symbol and Mass Number: P [15]

Electron Configuration: [He] 2s      p

Atomic Radii: 195 pm

Electron Affinity: 72 kJ mol-1

Oxidation status: -3, +3, +5 

Electronegativity value: 2.19

Elemental Group: Pnictogens

Uses and properties:

• White phosphorus is a highly reactive, waxy, white-yellow, transparent solid with acrid fumes

• It is insoluble in water, but soluble in carbon disulphide

• Exists in two other main allotropic forms: red, and black (or violet)

• Red phosphorus results when white phosphorus is heated or exposed to sunlight

• Black phosphorus is the least reactive allotrope

• A vital plant nutrient used in the production of fertilizers

• Used in the manufacture of safety machines, pyrotechnics, and incendiary shells

• Steel manufacture and phosphor bronze production

• Manufacturing light-emitting diodes (LED)

• Phosphate can be present in some detergents

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Lewis diagram: