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Pete shows us how to convert some white phosphorus into phosphorus pentoxide using just a little bit of sand and a hot copper rod.
More White Phosphorus
For basic information about phosphorus, check out Visual Elements Periodic Table.
For some super cool facts and photos of phosphorus, check out The Elements by Theodore Gray.
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In 1669 Henning Brand, experimenting with urine in his search for the philosopher's stone, found a white material that glowed in the dark. He discovered phosphorus. This scene is shown in the well known painting "The Alchemist Discovering Phosphorus."


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The name phosphorus is derived from the Greek “phosphoros”, meaning bringer of light.
What would be the name you would choose for a new glow in the dark element? Why would you choose this name?
09/19/2013 • 
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