Page 27 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Sulphur (S)
Element 16.This yellow-coloured nonmetal (known since ancient times as brimstone) is in group 6 (the oxygen group) in the Periodic Table.
It is one of the most reactive of the elements. It is the ninth most abundant element in the universe and is the third most common element in minerals after oxygen and silicon.
Pure sulphur is a brittle solid that is a poor conductor of electricity and is insoluble in water.
Key facts...
Name: sulphur
Symbol: S
Atomic number: 16
Atomic weight: 32.07
Position in Periodic Table: group 6 (16),
(oxygen group; chalcogen); period 3 State at room temperature: solid
Colour: two forms: lemon yellow and amber Densities of solids: rhombic form 2.07 g/cc;
monoclinic form 1.96 g/cc
Melting point: rhombic form: 112.8°C;
monoclinic form: 119°C
Boiling point: 444.6°C
Origin of name: from the Sanskrit word sulvere,
meaning sulphur; or from the Latin word
sulfurium, meaning sulphur Shell pattern of electrons: 2–8–6
 Sulphur is usually found in a laboratory as a crumbly yellow powder.
Discovery
Known since ancient times.
Technology
Most of the sulphur produced is used to make sulphuric acid, H2SO4.
It is the most important manufactured chemical in
the world. Sulphuric acid is, in turn, used for the
manufacture of fertilisers and some plastics. It is also in car batteries as
battery acid. Sulphur also helps
harden (vulcanise) natural rubber. Sulphur
compounds bleach things, especially paper. Sulphur is widely applied
as a pesticide and fungicide. Its compounds have many important
roles in medicine. Carbon disulphide is an industrial solvent.
Gunpowder is a mixture of potassium nitrate, carbon and sulphur.
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