Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a non-metal that is essential for life and is found in many important biological molecules such as DNA, RNA, and ATP. Phosphorus is also an important nutrient for plant growth and is commonly used in fertilizers.

Physical Properties

Atomic number: 15
Atomic mass: 30.97
Phase at room temperature: Solid
Color: White, red, or black, depending on the form
Boiling point: 280.5°C
Melting point: 44.1°C

Chemical Properties

Phosphorus is highly reactive and can form compounds with many other elements. It readily combines with oxygen to form phosphorus oxides, and with hydrogen to form phosphine gas. It also forms various compounds with metals, such as calcium phosphate in bones and teeth.

Uses

Phosphorus has numerous industrial and biological applications, including:

Manufacture of fertilizers
Production of detergents and soaps
Flame retardants in plastics and textiles
Additive in steel production
Component of matches and fireworks

Environmental Impact

Excessive phosphorus runoff from agricultural fertilizers can lead to water pollution and eutrophication of lakes and rivers. This can result in harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies, impacting aquatic ecosystems.

Study Guide

To study phosphorus, it's important to understand its physical and chemical properties, as well as its biological and industrial significance. Here are some key points to focus on:

Describe the physical properties of phosphorus, including its phase at room temperature and its melting and boiling points.
Explain the reactivity of phosphorus and its ability to form compounds with other elements.
Discuss the biological importance of phosphorus in DNA, RNA, and ATP, and its role as a plant nutrient.
Explore the industrial uses of phosphorus and its environmental impact.
Consider the ethical and environmental implications of phosphorus use in agriculture and industry.

By mastering these concepts, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of phosphorus in both biological and industrial contexts.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

The resources above cover the following skills:

Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.

The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.

The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)

Concepts Of Earth/Space Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain the physical behavior of the environment, Earth, and the universe.

The student will explain how the transfer of energy and matter affect Earth systems.

The student will explain how global conditions are affected when natural and human-induced change alter the transfer of energy and matter.

The student will investigate methods that geologists use to determine the history of Earth.

The student will compare events in Earth's history that have been grouped according to similarities.

Environmental Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use the scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major environmental science concepts to understand interrelationships of the natural world and to analyze environmental issues and their solutions.

The student will explain how matter and energy move through the biosphere (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and organisms).

The student will analyze how the transfer of energy between atmosphere, land masses and oceans results in areas of different temperatures and densities that produce weather patterns and establish climate zones around the earth (At least - differential heating and cooling; oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns; climates and microclimates; biomes).

The student will analyze the relationships between humans and the earth's resources.

The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and air quality (At least - ozone; greenhouse gases; volatile organic compounds (smog); acid rain; indoor air; human health).