Difference Between Phosphorus and Phosphate

Chemistry is a wide subject or field for an individual to study. It mainly includes all the reactions taking place in nature to form a new product. The person studying the subject is involved in the different properties, nature, composition, etc., of the three different matters that are solid, liquid, and gas. On a closer note, the change in structure, energy production or consumption, change in appearance, all of such things are incorporated in this.

Phosphorus vs Phosphate

The main difference between Phosphorus and Phosphate is that phosphorus is an element of the periodic table having an atomic number 15. It is considered as a non-metal lying in the Nitrogen-family group and is symbolized by the capital letter ‘P’. While comparatively, on the other hand, phosphate is a derivative or, say, an anion having both phosphorus and oxygen atoms in its chemical structure.   

Phosphorus is the element that is found naturally occurring on the earth. The element has been placed with a significant atomic number 15 and thus lies in the Nitrogen family. The electronic configuration of the element according to the method of the Aufbau Principle is 1s 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3 or can be written as [Ne] 3s2 3p6. The atomic mass of the element is approximately 30.97 grams per mol.  

Phosphate is the chemical by-product that is obtained from phosphoric acid after the removal of all the hydrogen atoms. The structure of the compound is in a tetrahedral symmetrical shape with one phosphate atom and four atoms of oxygen. The compound is represented by the formula ‘PO4’ according to the norms of IUPAC Nomenclature.

Comparison Table Between Phosphorus and Phosphate      

What is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus is among one the elements that are placed in the periodic table. The element can be found on the earth as it is naturally occurring but also in its impure form of state. The other reason behind this is the reason of being highly reactive. It is found in an impure state. According to scientists, the concentration of phosphorus element in the earth’s crust is approximately 1 g per kg.

The element has achieved an atomic number in the periodic table to be 15, thus belonging to the Nitrogen family. Also, the approximate atomic mass of the element is near about 30.97 grams per mol. According to the IUPAC Nomenclature, the element is represented by the chemical formula ‘P’.

The major forms of phosphorus that can be found by scientists are – red and white phosphorus (most widely known), black phosphorus, and violet phosphorus. The elements have a very distinctive role in the production of steel match sticks. They are used as fertilizers, in water softening, a major component of bones and tooth enamel, etc.

What is Phosphate?

Phosphate is a chemical compound that is obtained or is one of the by-products of phosphoric acid. When from phosphoric acid (H3PO4), all the three bonded atoms of hydrogen are extracted or removed from the structure then the phosphate ion is formed. The chemical formula derived from the statements is PO4. Given below is a representative of the reaction –

H3PO4 – 3H+ → PO4

The above reaction significantly shows that the chemical compound comprises one phosphate atom and 3 atoms of oxygen in its chemical structure. The shape of the phosphate compound is in tetrahedral symmetry with sp3 hybridization.

The molar mass of the chemical compound phosphate denoted by the IUPAC is approximately near about 94.97 grams per mol. The oxidation state showed by the compound is +5, and the different forms of the compound are – Tripolyphosphates, Orthophosphates, Pyrophosphates, Polyphosphates, etc.

Main Differences Between Phosphorus and Phosphate

Conclusion

To summarize the given topic, this can be concluded that chemistry is a wide and broad subject that comprises vivid concepts, theories, knowledge, etc. The subject is categorized under various branches that specify the study of a particular subject. In physical chemistry as well as organic chemistry, the branches include the study of elements, is structure, properties, etc., while in organic, it comprises compounds of carbon, its properties, reactions, structure, etc.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring substance as it is highly reactive; thus, it is found in its impure form. Then it is purified and commercially used. The major two different forms of phosphorus are – red phosphorus and white phosphorus. While comparatively, on the other hand, Phosphate is the chemical product obtained after extracting or removing all the hydrogen atoms from the phosphoric acid.

References

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