Is phosphorus a metal?

No. Phosphorus is a nonmetal, classified as a reactive nonmetal on the periodic table.

How many protons does phosphorus have?

Phosphorus has 15 protons. Its atomic number is 15, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of phosphorus.

What group and period is phosphorus in?

Phosphorus is in group 15 and period 3 of the periodic table, in the p-block.

What is the atomic mass of phosphorus?

The atomic mass of phosphorus is 30.974 u (unified atomic mass units).

Element 15

Phosphorus (P)

Reactive nonmetal · Period 3 · Group 15 · p-block

Phosphorus (P) is element 15 of the periodic table, a reactive nonmetal in period 3, group 15 (p-block) with an atomic mass of 30.974 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number: 15
Symbol: P
Atomic mass: 30.974 u
Category: Reactive nonmetals
Period: 3
Group: 15
Block: p-block
Phase at STP: solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3
Shorthand configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p3
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 5
Oxidation states: -3, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5

Physical properties

Melting point: 317.3 K (44.15 °C)
Boiling point: 553.65 K (280.5 °C)
Density: 1.82 g/cm³
Phase: solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.19
Atomic radius: 98 pm
Covalent radius: 107 pm
Van der Waals radius: 180 pm
First ionization energy: 1012 kJ/mol
Electron affinity: 72 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Phosphorus: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
Isotope	Mass	Abundance	Stability
P-31	30.97376	100%	Stable

Common uses

Fertilizers
Matches
Detergents
Steel production

Discovery

Year: 1669
Discovered by: Hennig Brand
Country: Germany

Frequently asked questions

Is phosphorus a metal?: No. Phosphorus is a nonmetal, classified as a reactive nonmetal on the periodic table.
How many protons does phosphorus have?: Phosphorus has 15 protons. Its atomic number is 15, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of phosphorus.
What group and period is phosphorus in?: Phosphorus is in group 15 and period 3 of the periodic table, in the p-block.
What is the atomic mass of phosphorus?: The atomic mass of phosphorus is 30.974 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Phosphorus's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.