The chemical annotation for phosphorus is P, whilst for oxygen it is O. The molecular formula for the chemical compound diphosphorus pentoxide is P4 O10. Therefore, the balanced equation for Phosphorus + Oxygen > Diphosphorus Pentoxide is P4 + 5 O2 > P4 O10.
Phosphorus has the atomic number 15, and is a non-metal that belongs to the nitrogen group. It is present in inorganic phosphate rocks and is a mineral. There are two forms of phosphorus, white and red, and the chemical glows when it is exposed to oxygen. This occurs when the white form is exposed, but not the red form. Phosphorus is commonly used in fertilizers, to replace vital vitamins that are removed naturally from soils by plants.
Oxygen has the atomic number 8, and is a non-metallic element that forms oxides with most other elements. It is a highly reactive element and is the third most common element in the universe. Only helium and hydrogen are more abundant. Oxygen makes up almost half of the Earth's crust, and is vital for the survival of all living organisms on the planet. These organisms include plants, animals and even proteins and carbohydrates. Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered oxygen in the early 1770s, and it is used in the production of plastics, textiles, steel, as well as life support in airplanes and submarines.
This chemical reacts with substances that contain water and can cause fire if this occurs. These substances include wood and cotton, although the chemical is not flammable on its own. The chemical is corrosive to metal and can cause severe burns to the skin at low concentrations.
