Phosphorus
Atomic Number: 15
Atomic Weight: 30.9
Element Group: Non-Metals
Phase at Room Temperature: Solid
My name comes from the Greek word for light; phosphoros. I have three different personalities or allotropes which are white, black and red. In my white form I am an insidious creature. I explode or ignite when I come in contact with Oxygen in the air and am extremely toxic. Thankfully, when I’m in my violent white form and am exposed to sunlight, I morph into my more docile red form, which doesn’t not spontaneously ignite. However, I revert to my white state with friction. Because of this, my red form is used in matches. When you strike a match, I morph from red to white and react with the Oxygen in the air. My black state is inert and relatively useless.
I am proud to say that I am the first element to truly be discovered. In 1669, Hennig Brand discovered me after boiling down gallons and gallons of urine. I’m not so proud of that. Although gold and iron have been known for eons, I was the first element to have a documented discoverer.
Even though you don’t think about me every day, you use me constantly. I actually help you be… you. If I suddenly disappeared, your DNA would fall apart and cell replication would be impossible. I am an essential component in your DNA and help to make new cells to keep you alive for longer.
Although one of my forms can be a bit nasty, I am still an vital component of you humans on an atomic level. All three of me hope you’ve learned to appreciate element 15 a little bit more.
No comments:
Post a Comment