Phosphorus (P) - Element 15 | Properties & Electron Configuration
What is Phosphorus?
Phosphorus (P) is element 15, a nonmetal in period 3, group 15. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³.
| Atomic Number | 15 |
| Symbol | P |
| Atomic Mass | 30.974 u |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Period | 3 |
| Group | 15 |
| Block | p |
| Electron Configuration | 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³ |
| Short Config | [Ne] 3s² 3p³ |
| Electronegativity | 2.19 |
| Atomic Radius | 100 pm |
| Ionization Energy | 1012 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 72 kJ/mol |
| Phase (STP) | Solid |
Electron Configuration
The full electron configuration of Phosphorus is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³. In noble gas shorthand, this is written as [Ne] 3s² 3p³.
Phosphorus is a p-block element in group 15, period 3.
Periodic Trends
Electronegativity: Phosphorus has a Pauling electronegativity of 2.19. Within group 15, electronegativity generally decreases down the group.
Atomic Radius: 100 pm. Across period 3, atomic radius generally decreases left to right as nuclear charge increases.
Ionization Energy: 1012 kJ/mol. Ionization energy generally increases across a period and decreases down a group.
View all 118 elements with trend overlays for electronegativity, atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity.
Explore Phosphorus on the Interactive Periodic TableRelated Topics
Nitrogen (N)
Properties of Nitrogen - same group as Phosphorus
Arsenic (As)
Properties of Arsenic - same group as Phosphorus
Antimony (Sb)
Properties of Antimony - same group as Phosphorus
Sodium (Na)
Properties of Sodium - same period as Phosphorus
Magnesium (Mg)
Properties of Magnesium - same period as Phosphorus
Aluminum (Al)
Properties of Aluminum - same period as Phosphorus