What Is the Chemical Formula for White Phosphorus?
White Phosphorous, or "Willy Pete", is most commonly used as a screening device during military operations and was most recently ignited in Gaza by Israel against HAMAS targets in 2009. It can also be used for signaling troops and as an incendiary device.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
This combustible chemical was used in World War II during military formations as a smoke screen in addition to its use in artillary shells and grenades.
Function
-
White Phosphorus is spontaneously flammable and can quickly destroy an enemy's equipment or limit his field of vision.
-
Benefits
-
White phosphorous can also aid in target location and navigation.
Identification
-
This colorless or sometimes yellowish chemical has a strong garlic scent and becomes luminous in the dark. It does not occur naturally but phosphorous is found combined with other minerals in nature. It is isolated by heating it with sand and carbon in an electric furnace.
Considerations
-
This chemical is particularly dangerous as it continues to burn until it disappears. People hit by pieces of it could be burned down to the bone.
Warning
-
If you are hit by white phosphorous but unable to remove affected clothing, plunge clothing or skin-affected areas immediately into cold water to extinguish it.
-
