Phosphorus is located in the third period and the fifteenth group in the periodic table of elements. It comes in many allotropes but 2 are the most common; white and red. Their color is inferable from the name of the allotrope. White phosphorus is a deadly form of it, burning on contact with air. Red phosphorus is much more preferable for most applications. Phosphorus forms up to 3 bonds and it has a melting point of 44 degrees Celsius for white phosphorus, and 590 degrees Celsius for red. Phosphorus was discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand.

Other than its use as an incendiary weapon. Phosphorus is also used as a reagent and catalyst is some chemical reactions. Our bones are made out of Calcium Phosphate(Ca3(PO4)2), a phosphorus compound. It can also be found on the side of match boxes.