Difference between revisions of "Phosphorus"
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(Phosphorus ranges from 0.3 to 1.2% by weight in soil.) |
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Phosphorous, ''[[Elements on Mars|periodic table]] P'', is a light metal. It's most common isotope is P<sub>31 ,</sub>with 16 neutrons. | Phosphorous, ''[[Elements on Mars|periodic table]] P'', is a light metal. It's most common isotope is P<sub>31 ,</sub>with 16 neutrons. | ||
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Phosphorous is available on Mars as phosphates. The Martian mantle is richer in potassium and phosphorus than Earth's, so the resource should be widely available, although concentrated ores need to be identified by exploration. The Columbia hills in [[Gusev Crater|Gusev crater]] have been shown by the [[Spirit]] rover to contain Phosphorous. | Phosphorous is available on Mars as phosphates. The Martian mantle is richer in potassium and phosphorus than Earth's, so the resource should be widely available, although concentrated ores need to be identified by exploration. The Columbia hills in [[Gusev Crater|Gusev crater]] have been shown by the [[Spirit]] rover to contain Phosphorous. | ||
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+ | [[Pathfinder]] gave P concentrations that ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 weight percent for rocks and from 0.3 to 1.2 weight percent for soils. | ||
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==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 14:23, 19 November 2024
P | 15 |
Phosphorus |
Abundance: 0.3%
Phosphorous, periodic table P, is a light metal. It's most common isotope is P31 ,with 16 neutrons.
Phosphorous is one of the "CHNOPS" elements (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, & Sulfur). All life is 99% composed of these elements. Of all the CHNOPS elements, phosphorus is the rarest one. Fortunately, Mars seems to be fairly rich in phosphates.
Phosphorous is a plant fertilizer, required for DNA, energy storage and a number of functions in plants. Phosphorous, with nitrogen, is one of the limiting factors of plant growth.
Phosphorous is available on Mars as phosphates. The Martian mantle is richer in potassium and phosphorus than Earth's, so the resource should be widely available, although concentrated ores need to be identified by exploration. The Columbia hills in Gusev crater have been shown by the Spirit rover to contain Phosphorous.
Pathfinder gave P concentrations that ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 weight percent for rocks and from 0.3 to 1.2 weight percent for soils.
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