|
Definition of the Sulfur Element -
British spelling Sulphur
A pale yellow non-metallic element occurring widely in nature
in several free and combined allotropic forms. It is used in black
gunpowder, rubber vulcanization, the manufacture of insecticides
and pharmaceuticals, and in the preparation of sulfur compounds
such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid. The IUPAC has adopted
the spelling "sulfur", as has the Royal Society of Chemistry
Nomenclature Committee.
Origin / Meaning of the name Sulfur
- British spelling Sulphur
The name originates
from the Latin word 'sulfur' and Middle English 'sulfre' meaning
brimstone.
Classification of the Sulfur Element
- British spelling Sulphur
Sulfur is classified
as an element in the 'Non-metals' section which can be located in
groups 14,15 and 16 of the Periodic Table. Non-metals are not
easily able to conduct electricity or heat and do not reflect
light . Non-metallic elements are very brittle, and cannot be
rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. Non-metallic elements
exist, at room temperature, in two of the three states of matter :
gases (such as oxygen) and solids (such as carbon).
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Sulfur
Element
The discovery of Sulfur
dates back to Antiquity and used by the ancient South Americans,
Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese.
Occurrence the Sulfur Element
Exists as molecules in the solid state
Associated Uses of Sulfur
- British spelling Sulphur
Insecticides
Pharmaceuticals
Matches
Gunpowder
Fireworks
Production of sulfuric acid
Batteries
Detergents
Sulphur dioxide
|
