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Phosphorus is a very reactive element that can exist in several different allotropes or structures. It gets its name which means light-bringer in Greek, because white phosphorus will glow when exposed to the oxygen in the air. Energy released by the phosphorus slowly oxidising (burning) is given off as light.

But Dr Hal wanted to release the energy more rapidly, so he filled a large jar with pure oxygen and then lit a piece of phosphorus and then sealed the jar.