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White phosphorus facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

White phosphorus is a special chemical. It's used in some weapons. When it burns, it makes a very bright light and a lot of smoke. It's one type of the chemical element called phosphorus.

White phosphorus is dangerous for people. It can cause serious burns if it touches skin. It can also be harmful if someone breathes in its smoke or accidentally eats it. Because it's so dangerous, it can cause serious health problems.

Using weapons that cause fires, like white phosphorus, against regular people (civilians) has been against international rules since 1949. Even so, it has been used in some conflicts. For example, U.S. forces used it in Iraq in 2004. The Israeli Army also used white phosphorus for smoke cover during a conflict in the Gaza Strip in 2008-2009.

Images for kids

  • PhosphComby

    The four common types of phosphorus

  • White phosphorus

    White phosphorus crystal structure

  • Weißer Phosphor

    A sample of white phosphorus

  • Tetraphosphorus-liquid-2D-dimensions

    A tetraphosphorus molecule

  • Phosphor rot

    Red phosphorus

  • Phosphor-rot-violett

    Violet phosphorus (right) next to red phosphorus (left)

  • Hittorf's violet phosphorus

    Hitorff's phosphorus structure

  • Black Phosphorus Ampoule

    Black phosphorus in a container

  • Diphosphorus-3D-vdW

    Structure of diphosphorus

See also

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