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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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P
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Phosphorus
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1992-09-02
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An element, symbol P, atomic number 15,
relative atomic mass 30.975. It occurs in
several forms, the commonest being white
phosphorus (a waxy solid emitting a greenish
glow in air, burning spontaneously to
phosphorus pentoxide, and very poisonous) and
red phosphorus (neither igniting
spontaneously nor poisonous). It is used in
fertilizers, in matches, in the prevention of
scale and corrosion in pipes and boiler
tubes, and in certain organic chemicals. It
was first identified by the German alchemist
Hennig Brand in 1669. Production of
phosphorus and its compounds has greatly
increased since World War II.