🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Sulphur (also spelled “sulfur” in American English)
• Discovered By: Known since ancient times (used by early civilizations)
• Year of Discovery: Prehistoric (recognized as an element in 1777 by Antoine Lavoisier)
• Category: Non-metal
• Group: 16 (Group VIA – Chalcogens)
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (bright yellow powder) 🌼

Sulphur is a non-metal element with a distinctive yellow color and strong smell (like rotten eggs, in some compounds). It’s found in volcanoes, hot springs, and minerals, and plays important roles in the environment and biology.

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: S
• Atomic Number: 16
• Atomic Mass: ~32.07 u
• Valency: Commonly 2, 4, or 6
• Electronic Configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴

Sulphur has six electrons in its outer shell, making it reactive, especially with metals and oxygen. It forms compounds like sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), both important in industry and the environment.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Sulphur is found in many natural sources like volcanoes, fossil fuels, and even inside our bodies. It’s essential for life — especially for making proteins and enzymes. 🧬

Despite its smell in some forms, pure sulphur is odorless. The “rotten egg smell” comes from hydrogen sulphide gas (H₂S), a compound of sulphur.

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Sulphur was once called “brimstone” in ancient texts and religious writings. 🔥
• It’s used in black gunpowder, one of the earliest known chemical mixtures.
• The smell of natural gas is actually added sulphur compounds for safety detection.
• Sulphur bacteria can live in harsh environments like deep-sea vents. 🌊
• It can form beautiful crystals, especially in volcanic regions.

🔧 Common Uses

• Fertilizers: Sulphur is used to make sulphates that help plants grow. 🌱
• Medicine: Used in creams and soaps to treat skin conditions.
• Industrial Chemicals: Used to make sulphuric acid, one of the most important industrial acids. 🧪
• Rubber Industry: In the vulcanization process, sulphur makes rubber stronger and more flexible.
• Fungicides & Pesticides: Helps protect crops from disease and pests.

📚 Conclusion

Sulphur may not sparkle like gold or shine like silver, but it’s one of the most versatile and essential elements on Earth. From volcanoes to your shampoo, from agriculture to your own body, sulphur is everywhere. For students, it’s a great example of how chemistry connects the Earth, life, and industry — all through one bright yellow element! 🌍🔬