What is the Difference Between Nitrogen and Phosphorus?
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- Nature: Nitrogen is a diatomic gas (N2), while phosphorus is a tetratomic molecular solid (P4).
- Atomic number: Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, and phosphorus has an atomic number of 15.
- Periodic table: Nitrogen is in the second period, while phosphorus is in the third period.
- Occurrence: Naturally, nitrogen occurs as a diatomic gas, whereas phosphorus occurs in solid state.
- Bonds: Phosphorus has the capability to make bonds until it has more than an octet in the valence shell, whereas nitrogen does not.
- Global cycling: Nitrogen is recycled in the environment, whereas phosphorus is not.
In the context of fertilizers, nitrogen fertilizers are made from ammonia, while phosphorus fertilizers are made from phosphate rock. Both elements play crucial roles in plant growth, with nitrogen being essential for protein synthesis and chlorophyll production, and phosphorus being important for root and fruit development.
Comparative Table: Nitrogen vs Phosphorus
Here is a table comparing the differences between nitrogen and phosphorus:
| Property | Nitrogen | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Diatomic gas (N2) | Tetratomic molecular solid (P4) |
| Tendency to form complexes | No | Forms complexes due to the availability of vacant orbitals |
| Allotropic Nature | Does not show allotropy | Shows allotropy |
| Atomic Number | 7 | 15 |
| Occurrence | Naturally occurs as a diatomic gas | Naturally occurs in solid state |
| Electron Configuration | 1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pĀ³ | 1sĀ² 2sĀ² 2pā¶ 3sĀ² 3pĀ³ |
| Valence Shell Electron Configuration | nsĀ² npĀ³ | nsĀ² npĀ³ |
| Uses | Used in the production of smoke screens, rat poison (white phosphorus), and matches (red phosphorus) | Liquid nitrogen is used for freezing things instantly and as a coolant in various devices |
Both nitrogen and phosphorus are group V elements in the periodic table, and they share some similar properties when making compounds. However, they also have distinct differences, such as their occurrence in nature, tendency to form complexes, and allotropic nature.
- Nitrogen vs Phosphorus Fertilizer
- Phosphorus vs Phosphate
- Nitrogen vs Nitrate
- Arsenic vs Phosphorus
- Carbon Cycle vs Phosphorus Cycle
- Organic vs Inorganic Nitrogen
- Phosphorus vs Phosphoric Acid
- Potash vs Phosphate
- Nitrogen Cycle vs Carbon Cycle
- Phosphine vs Phosgene
- Ammonia vs Ammonium Nitrate
- Water Cycle vs Nitrogen Cycle
- Organic vs Inorganic Phosphate
- Ammonia vs Ammoniacal Nitrogen
- NH3N vs NH4N
- Ammonium Nitrate vs Ammonium Sulphate
- Red vs White Phosphorus
- Phosphorus vs Alkaline Phosphatase
- Gypsum vs Phosphogypsum