What is the chemical symbol for phosphorus?

The chemical symbol for phosphorus is represented by the letter "P." This designation is established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and is based on the English name of the element. Phosphorus is a non-metal essential for life, playing a crucial role in biological processes, including energy transfer and the formation of DNA and RNA.

In contrast, the other symbols represent different elements: “N” stands for nitrogen, which is also crucial for life but serves different functions; “S” is the symbol for sulfur, which is important in various biological processes but distinct from phosphorus; and “O” represents oxygen, vital for respiration in organisms. Understanding these symbols is fundamental in chemistry, as they provide a standardized method for identifying elements in chemical equations and reactions.