Phosphorus atom in 3D
DNA, ATP and fertilisers. Phosphates are found in DNA, ATP and fertilisers. Phosphorus can also occur in different elemental forms. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
DNA, ATP and fertilisers. Phosphates are found in DNA, ATP and fertilisers. Phosphorus can also occur in different elemental forms.
Identify phosphorus from its proton count.
Count the neutrons in Phosphorus-31.
Inspect the occupied electron shells.
Compare the valence shell with a neighbouring element.
Explain what changes when an electron is lost.
Phosphorus in a phosphate group is bonded to oxygen. This model shows the neutral atom before any bonding context.
Try an investigation
Identify phosphorus from its proton count.
Check your understanding
What identifies an atom as phosphorus?
15 protons. Atomic number is proton count. Every phosphorus nucleus has 15 protons.
How many neutrons are in Phosphorus-31?
16. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number = 31 − 15 = 16. Mass number is not the average atomic weight of natural samples.
How many electrons are in a neutral phosphorus atom?
15. A neutral atom balances 15 positive protons with 15 negative electrons.
Which shell count describes neutral phosphorus in its ground state?
2, 8, 5. [Ne] 3s² 3p³ gives 2, 8, 5 electrons across its occupied shells. Circular paths are only diagram guides.
If this atom loses one electron, what happens to its net charge?
It becomes +1. Losing one negative electron leaves one more proton than electrons. Its 15 protons still identify it as phosphorus.
What can this 3D shell model tell you reliably?
The particle counts for the selected neutral isotope. The counts represent a defined isotope and neutral atom. Particle sizes, spacing and circles are simplified teaching symbols.
Sources and model scope
An educational representation. The explorer identifies its data sources, scale choices and simplifications.