MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Does sulfur, or any natural forms of it, burn?

Date: Sun Apr 9 21:08:05 2000
Posted By: Enrico Uva, Secondary School Teacher Chemistry, Physical Science
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 954782645.Ch
Message:

All forms of sulfur burn with a blue flame to create pungent sulfur 
dioxide, SO2. This same gas is an antioxidant and can be used to preserve 
the clarity of white wine or to store fruit. When SO2 is produced on an 
industrial scale and released into the atmosphere, however, it reacts with 
hydroxyl in the air to create sulfuric acid, a component of acidic 
precipitation. Acid rain kills many species of fish, corrodes buildings 
and automobiles and most importantly it agrivates the conditions of 
patients with respiratory diseases.


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