Wikijunior:The Elements/Phosphorus
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[edit] What does it look, feel, taste, or smell like?
Phosphorus is white in color. When phosphorus is combined with certain elements, it glows in the dark.Phosphorus smells like garlic. Phosphorus is powdery. It is not found free in nature. Phosphorus can not be handled because it is poisonous.
[edit] How was it discovered?
Phosphorus was discovered by Hennig Brand in 1669 through experiments that involved boiling down and distilling the residue from urine.
[edit] Where did its name come from?
The name Phosphorus comes from the combination of the Greek words phos (light) and phoros (bearer).
Did You Know?
- First interesting fact.
- Another interesting fact.
- Yet another interesting fact.
[edit] Where is it found?
Elemental phosphorus comes in two forms: white phosphorus and red phosphorus. White phosphorus is very reactive and will spontaneously combust (burst into flames) when exposed to warm air. Therefore it is usually stored under water.
[edit] What are its uses?
Phosporus is used in fertilizers and detergents. Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is used to make soft drinks. Some phosphorus compounds are used to make light bulbs and television sets. Drinking water with phosphorus or taking phosphorus pills became fashionable and was through to increase brain activity and make you smarter in the mid-1800's when phosphorus was discovered in the brain. In an ironic twist, phosphorus was used by the allies in World War II to make their bombs glow bright during nighttime raids over Germany, the country of its initial discovery almost 300 years earlier.
[edit] Is it dangerous?
White phosphorus is very toxic and is very damaging to human tissues, especially bones and cartilage. White phosphorus will almost spontaneously combust (burn) if exposed to air warmer than 35 degree celsius.
