Introduction

Sulphur belongs to group 16 of the periodic table in the oxygen group and thus it is highly reactive. Unlike the type metal of the elements in the periodic table, this element is comparatively light and displays characteristic properties in odour taste and colour that distinguishes it from other elements. Most importantly, it has very complex crystallography that allows it to display different crystalline characters in the allotropes under different conditions. Sulphur is very abundant in nature and occurs mostly around volcanic regions. In this study, various facts and features of sulphur has been discussed.

Type metal and non-metal: Relative Discussion

In the periodic table, the elements are distinctly noted and categorised based on their properties and definitive categories. The type metal elements are different from the non-metallic components and are highly reactive to one another. Similarly, Sulphur being a non-metallic element is thoroughly distinguishable from the type metal elements in the periodic table. The type metal elements are mostly heavy, a good conductor of heat and electricity and malleable as compared to the non-metallic element sulphur.

Sulphur dioxide: Discussion

Sulphur dioxide is a gaseous compound and is a major contributor to air pollution. It is composed of sulphur and oxygen. It is formed when Sulphur contents of the fuel and coals are burnt and mixed with oxygen in the air. SO2 as mixed with the air causes heavy damage to the lungs and the entire respiratory system in the bodies of humans and other animals. It mainly affects people with asthma and especially children. It also reduces road visibility.

SO2 is also produced in laboratories from the manufacture of sulphuric acid. It is mostly produced from the combustion of sulphur. It is also produced from roasting pyrite and sulphide ores in the air. SO2 is mostly used in the production of sulphuric acid. SO2 is also used as a refrigerant; it is easily condensed and is easily evaporated. Before the advent of chlorofluorocarbons, it was mainly used in refrigerators and coolers. Endogenous SO2 is used in the regulation of cardiac and blood vessel functions. SO2 is an efficient reducing agent, which is used to decolorize substances and is especially used in the bleaching of clothes. 

Three facts about Sulphur

Sulphur is a non-metallic element in-group 16 of the periodic table, which displays several distinctive characteristics; it is mostly odourless and tasteless. It is distinctly yellow in colour and is used in the production of sulphuric acid. However, there are several facts associated with sulphur and here are three such facts about sulphur.

• Sulphur is known to be the most abundant element found in the universe. It is created by the alpha process prevalent in the massive stars. It is mostly found in meteorites and on earth, it is found in volcanic regions. It is found in abundance in the core rather than on the crust. Interestingly, there is enough sulphur on earth to make two bodies equal in size to that of the moon.

• There are several organisms like the bacteria found in the cave, which use sulphur as a source of energy.

• Sulphur can be used in the process of preparation of the products like gunpowder and is believed to have been used in the past as flamethrower weapons that were referred to as the Greek fire.

Conclusion

Sulphur is commonly found in human bodies and the food products that we consume. However, a high amount of sulphur reaction and relative association with the products and their variants as sulphur dioxide can be fatal to our health, especially our respiratory system. Sulphur is mostly found near the volcanic regions on the earth’s crust. The variant of sulphur that is sulphuric acid is used for several industrial purposes. As opposed to the type of metal elements found in the periodic table this element is non-metallic in nature and is found in the group 16th of the table.