Phosphorus vs. Phosphorous — What's the Difference?

Allotropes.

Role in Flame Retardants.

Chemical Element.

Oxidation State.

Biological Role.

Toxicity.

Environmental Concern.

Chemical Behavior.

Use in Industry.

Industrial Applications.

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.

Relating to or containing phosphorus.

The chemical element of atomic number 15, a poisonous, combustible non-metal which exists in two common allotropic forms, white phosphorus, a yellowish waxy solid which ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark, and red phosphorus, a less reactive form used in making matches.

Of, relating to, or containing phosphorus, especially with valence 3 or a valence lower than that of a comparable phosphoric compound.

Symbol P A highly reactive, poisonous, nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially apatite, and existing in three allotropic forms, white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black (or violet). An essential element for biological cells, it is used in safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.15°C; boiling point 280.5°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82, (red) 2.16, (black) 2.25 to 2.69; valence 3, 4, 5. See Periodic Table.

(chemistry) Of or pertaining to phosphorus.

A phosphorescent substance.

Resembling phosphorus.

Phosphorus(Astronomy) See Lucifer.

(chemistry) Of relating to or containing trivalent phosphorus.

(chemistry) a chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.

(proscribed) phosphorus

(obsolete) any substance exhibiting phosphorescence; a phosphor

Of or pertaining to phosphorus; resembling or containing phosphorus; specifically, designating those compounds in which phosphorus has a lower valence as contrasted with phosphoric compounds; as, phosphorous acid, H3PO3.

The morning star; Phosphor.

Containing or characteristic of phosphorus;

A poisonous nonmetallic element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish, translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable smell; this waxy allotropic form is also called yellow phosphorus, to distinguish it from another allotropic form, red phosphorus. It is very active chemically, must be preserved under water, and unites with oxygen even at ordinary temperatures, giving a faint glow, - whence its name. It always occurs combined, usually in phosphates, as in the mineral apatite, in bones, etc. It is used in the composition on the tips of friction matches, and for many other purposes. The molecule contains four atoms. Symbol P. Atomic weight 31.0.

Hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent bodies.

A multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

A planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky

Phosphorus is found in nature as phosphates in minerals and is crucial to all living organisms.

Phosphorous refers to compounds containing phosphorus in the +3 oxidation state, significant in chemistry but less so biologically.

Phosphorus is a chemical element essential for life, involved in numerous biological processes and industrial applications.

Phosphorous compounds contain phosphorus, but not all phosphorus compounds are phosphorous.

It is primarily used as a component of fertilizers to promote plant growth.

Yes, phosphorus is an essential mineral found in many foods and is vital for human health.

Depending on their nature, they can contribute to pollution if not handled properly, though their impact is generally more specific than widespread.

They are key in chemical synthesis, including the production of flame retardants and intermediates in organic chemistry.

Excessive phosphorus from fertilizers can lead to water pollution and ecosystem disruption.

Beyond fertilizers, they're used in detergents, flame retardants, and materials manufacturing.

Some phosphorous compounds can be toxic and require careful handling and disposal.

It is critical for the formation of bones and teeth, DNA synthesis, and energy storage and usage.

It plays a key role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, and the synthesis of nucleic acids and ATP.

Phosphate refers to salts or esters of phosphoric acid, containing phosphorus in a +5 oxidation state, whereas phosphorous pertains to the +3 oxidation state of phosphorus in compounds.

No, phosphorous is a term that describes phosphorus in a specific chemical state within compounds, not as an element.