A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

169

The Oxygen Group

minerals, such as celestine. Many sulfur

compounds smell bad. For example, the rotten-

egg smell of volcanic pools is due to hydrogen

sulfide gas. Other examples include skunk

spray, the gaseous substance emitted by chopped

onions, and the odour of the titan arum

flower. There are many uses for this non-metal.

Its compounds can harden natural rubber for

use in tyres, preserve dried fruits, and make

strong battery acids. The element has anti-

bacterial properties and is used in antibiotic

medicine, such as penicillin.

Some antibiotics contain

sulfur compounds that kill

harmful bacteria.

This limestone

sculpture has

been weathered

by acid rain.

Penicillin pills

Lead acid

battery

This plant

emits a

rotting smell

to attract

meat-eating

insects.

Some dried fruits are preserved using

powder containing a sulfur compound.

Uses

When burned, sulfur in this

candle drives away pests.

Acid rain

destroys

forests by

removing nutrients

in the soil and in

the leaves.

Creams that contain

sulfur compounds

can disinfect skin.

This batter y contains

strong sulfuric acid.

S

ki

n

c

re

am

Sulfur candle

Vulcanized rubber – made

by heating sulfur with natural

rubber – is weatherproof.

Titan ar um

Sulfur acid

rain damage

Pr

ese

rved^ d

ried fru

its

V

u

lc

a

n

iz

de

t^

y

er

Sulfur dioxide gas produced by burning fuel

dissolves in rain water, making a sulfur acid.

This falls to the ground as acid rain.

1. Burning coal

in power stations

releases sulfur

dioxide.

3. Sulfur dioxide

mixes with water in

clouds and forms

a sulfur acid.

6. It also makes

rivers and lakes acidic.

2. The wind

carries pollutants.

5. Acid rain changes

soil chemistry.

4. Acid rain

corrodes buildings

and harms plants.

ACID RAIN

168-169_Sulfur.indd 169 12/12/16 5:40 pm