Atomic structure of phosphorus

Introduction
Phosphorus is an element of Group 15 and period 3. Its symbol is P having atomic number 15 and mass number 31. It belongs to p- block elements. It is a non- metal. Its electronic configuration is
[Ne]3S² 3P³

It generally exists in two forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus. It is very reactive so it is not found in Free State in nature. White phosphorus emits light or glows when exposed to air or oxygen.

Atomic structure of phosphorus

Atomic number of phosphorus is 15 and thus its electronic configuration is 2,8,5. So it has following atomic structure.It has 2 electrons in K shell, 8 in L and 5 in M shell.

Image of phosphorus and its structure

Properties of phosphorus

Luminsecence is the main property of phosphorus. This property can be defined as the ability to emit light or glow in dark. Allotropes.

Phosphorus has two common allotropes called white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Red phosphorus is an intermediate phase between white and violet phosphorus. White phosphorus is most reactive and least stable form of all allotropes of phosphorus. It is insoluble in water. Two radioactive isotopes of phosphorus have half-lives that make them useful for scientific experiments. ³²P has a half-life of 14.262 days and ³³P has a half-life of 25.34 days. Phosphorus can expand its valence electron to make penta- and hexavalent compounds eg phosphorus chloride molecule.

Most common Oxidation states of Phosphorus are 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 , -1, -2, -3

The first, second and third Ionization energies of phosphorus are as follows
1011.8 kJ·mol⁻¹, 1907 kJ·mol⁻¹ and 2914.1 kJ·mol⁻¹.As per Pauling scale the Electronegativity of phosphorus is 2.19.

Preparation of phosphorus by Brand’s process

Phosphorus is not found in the native state in nature as it is reactive. So it can be prepared by Brand's process by using sand in the reaction

4 NaPO₃ + 2 SiO₂ + 10 C → 2 Na₂SiO₃ + 10 CO + P₄

Phosphate rock is the main source of phosphorus. It is made up of tri-calcium phosphate mineral called apatite.

Conclusion for the atomic structure of phosphorus

From the discussion, we conclude that phosphorus is a non metal having atomic number 15 and is reactive. It has 5 valence electrons in its outermost shell so it needs 3 more electrons to complete the octet. So it is reactive.