Sulphur

Sulfur (S) is a nonmetal element that belongs to the oxygen group (Group 16 [VIa] in the periodic table). It is highly reactive. Pure sulfur is a pale yellow, brittle solid with no taste or smell. It doesn't dissolve in water and doesn't conduct electricity well.

Sulfur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is found in nature as a bright yellow, crystalline solid.

Element Characteristics:

  • Atomic Number: 16
  • Symbol: S
  • Atomic Weight: 32.06
  • Appearance: Yellow solid, sometimes found as a pale yellow powder.
  • State at Room Temperature: Solid

Also Check: Osmosis | Octane Number | Corrosion

Related Links:  Fluorine | Isomerism | Iodine

Uses:

  • Industrial Applications: Sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid, one of the most widely used chemicals in industry.
  • Fertilizers: It is a key ingredient in fertilizers to improve plant growth.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Sulfur compounds are used in medicines, such as antibiotics.
  • Rubber Industry: It is used to vulcanize rubber, making it more durable.

Facts:

  • Sulfur has a distinct smell often described as rotten eggs.
  • It is an essential element for all living cells and is found in amino acids and proteins.
  • Elemental sulfur can be found near volcanic regions and as a result of natural gas and oil processing.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sulphur

Sulphur is used in making fertilizers, chemicals, and medicines, and also in rubber production.

 "Sulphur" is the British spelling, while "sulfur" is the American spelling of the same chemical element.

Sulphur is not a metal; it's a non-metal because it lacks the typical properties of metals like conductivity and luster.

Sulphur exists as S8 molecules because it forms stable rings of eight atoms due to its molecular structure.

 "S" is the correct chemical symbol for sulfur. "S2" doesn't represent sulfur in its elemental form.

 Sulphur can have various oxidation states, but commonly, it's found in compounds with +2 and -2 oxidation states.

The chemical name for "S" is sulfur.

No, the atomic mass of sulphur (S) is approximately 32.