Phosphorus is a non-metal.
Characteristics of Phosphorus and Non-Metals:
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Group 15: Phosphorus is in Group 15 of the periodic table. This group has elements with 5 electrons in their outer shell.
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Poor Conductors: Phosphorus does not conduct heat or electricity well. Metals are good at this, but non-metals like phosphorus are not.
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Forming Compounds:
- Gaining or Sharing Electrons: Phosphorus can form compounds by sharing its electrons with other elements. This is a common way non-metals bond with other elements.
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States at Room Temperature:
- Solids, Liquids, or Gases: Phosphorus can exist in different forms (called allotropes). Depending on the form, it can be a solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature.
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Typical Non-Metal Characteristics:
- Even though some non-metals can share some properties with metals (like being shiny), phosphorus shows the typical features of a non-metal.
