NON-METAL:
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Phosphorus’ symbol is P, and its name comes from the Greek word “phosphoros,” which means “bringer of light,” due to the fact that phosphorus has a habit of bursting into flames upon contact with certain chemicals.
In 1669, a German merchant and alchemist named Hennig Brand accidentally created phosphorus using boiled urine while he was trying to make a Philosophers Stone (an object that was said to turn metals into pure gold). But in 1680, Irish chemist Robert Boyle also discovered phosphorus, but this time the information was released to the public. Phosphorus has a melting point of 44.1°C and a boiling point of 280°C. It is also known that white phosphorous is more aggressive and active, whereas red and black phosphorous are more passive towards contact with other chemicals. As it is a non-metal, phosphorus is also quite brittle, and is a good conductor of electricity. Since red phosphorus is more aggressive, it is the material used on the side of matchboxes that are used to strike the flame using a match. However, phosphorus is also used for fertilizers, as its chemical compound – especially when mixed in a solution – contains minerals that are quite beneficial for plants. |