The chemical symbol for phosphorus is P. Phosphorus is a non-metal element with the atomic number 15 on the periodic table. It exists in several allotropes, including white, red, and black phosphorus, each with distinct physical and chemical properties. Phosphorus is essential for life as it is a key component of DNA, RNA, and ATP, which are critical for energy transfer and genetic information storage in living organisms. Furthermore, phosphorus is widely used in fertilizers to promote plant growth, making it an important element in agriculture and biological systems.