|
What are
the Properties of Sulfur? Definition of Sulfur
What is the definition of
Sulfur? In a general overview of the element we can at first describe Sulfur as
a solid. It is a pale yellow non-metallic, brittle element and is widely
distributed in close proximity to hot springs and volcanoes and is also found in
many minerals and ores. The
Physical and
Chemical Properties are the
characteristics of a substance, like Sulfur, which distinguishes it from any
other substance. Most common substances exist as
States of Matter as solids, liquids, gases and plasma. Refer to the article on
Sulfur for additional information and facts about this substance.
Sulfur Properties
- What are the Physical Properties of Sulfur?
What are the Physical
Properties of Sulfur? The Physical properties of Sulfur are the characteristics
that can be observed without changing the substance into another
substance. Physical properties are usually those that can be observed using our
senses such as color, luster, freezing point, boiling point, melting point, density, hardness and odor. The Physical Properties of Sulfur are as follows:
|
What are the Physical Properties of Sulfur? |
| Color |
Pale yellow -
Non-metallic |
| Phase |
Solid |
|
Crystalline structure & Forms |
Rhombic, Amorphous and
Prismatic |
|
*Allotropic |
There are several known
allotropes including brimstone |
| Odor |
Odorless |
| Taste |
Tasteless |
|
Solubility |
Insoluble in water |
|
Boiling point |
The boiling point of sulfur
is 444.6°C |
|
Conductivity |
A poor conductor of heat
and electricity |
|
Viscosity (resistance to flow - stickiness) |
Upon melting, sulfur is
converted into a mobile yellow liquid, which turns brown and becomes
a viscous, dark brown mass at about 190°C. The viscosity decreases
above 190°C, and at 300°C sulfur again becomes a flowing liquid |
*Allotropic - Allotropes are
forms of an element with different physical and chemical properties
occurring in two or more crystalline forms in the same physical state.
Sulfur Properties - What are the Chemical Properties of Sulfur?
What are the Chemical
Properties of Sulfur?
They are the characteristics that
determine how it will react with other substances or change from
one substance to another. The better we know the nature of the substance the
better we are able to understand it. Chemical properties are only observable during a
chemical reaction. Reactions to substances may be brought
about by changes brought about by burning, rusting, heating, exploding, tarnishing
etc. The Chemical
Properties of Sulfur are as follows:
|
What are the Chemical Properties of Sulfur? |
| Chemical
Formula |
S |
| Compounds |
Familiar compounds are
Sodium sulfite, hydrogen sulfide (a poisonous gas that smells like
rotten eggs) and sulfuric acid |
|
Oxidation |
The oxides are sulfur
dioxide and sulfur trioxide, which when dissolved in water make
sulfurous acid and sulfuric acid, respectively |
| Reactivity |
It is chemically reactive,
especially upon heating, and combines with almost all the elements.
Upon heating, sulfur reacts with metals, forming the corresponding
sulfides |
Facts and
Info about Sulfur Properties
This article
on Sulfur properties provide facts and information about the
physical and chemical properties of Sulfur which are useful as
homework help for chemistry students. Additional facts and
information regarding the Periodic Table and the elements may be
accessed via the Periodic Table Site Map. |
