History and Uses

History- (Gr. phosphoros: light bearing; ancient name for the planet Venus when appearing before sunrise) Brand discovered phosphorus in 1669 by preparing it from urine. Phosphorus got its name because it glows in the dark. Phosphorus was first isolated in 1669 by German physician Hennig Brand (ca. 1630-1692). Brand was convinced that the key to changing metals into gold could be found in urine. While heating and purifying urine, Brand discovered phosphorus! It was the first time anyone had discovered an element unknown to ancient peoples.

Properties- It exists in four or more allotropic forms: white (or yellow), red, black (or violet). The ordinary phosphorus is waxy, white and when it is pure it is transparent and colorless. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in carbon disulfide. It takes fire spontaneously in air, burning to the pentoxide. It is very poisonous.

Sources- It is never found free in nature. Phosphate rock, which contains the mineral apatite, an impure tri-calcium phosphate, is an important source of the element. Large deposits are found in Russia, in Morocco, and in Florida, Tennessee, Utah, Idaho, and elsewhere.

Uses- Phosphorous, a mineral, helps build strong bones and teeth. Phosphorous is also involved in the release of energy from fat, protein, and carbohydrates during metabolism, and in the formation of genetic material, cell membranes, and many enzymes. Scientists use phosphorus to make baking soda. Phosphorus is also used to make dishes. Fine china is very expensive because a lot of special procedures go into making it. Phosphorus is one of the special elements that are used to make that fine china. You can find lots of phosphorus in fireworks. When phosphorus gets hot it burns really brightly. The bright sparks and flashes are usually because of that phosphorus. Phosphorus is a very important element in fertilizers. Plants need small amounts of phosphorus to grow up healthy. People also need phosphorus and they get it by eating plants. Scientists use phosphorus when they make glass.