Sulfur (S) is a non-metal element with the atomic number 16. Each sulfur atom contains 16 protons, neutrons and electrons, and has an atomic mass of 32. Sulfur itself is a solid at room temperature, and is very brittle. It is also insoluble in water and translucent. When burned, it releases a dangerous gas (Sulfur Dioxide), and is very combustible. Sulfur will melt at 115.21 degrees Celsius, and boils at 444.6 degrees Celsius. It does not conduct electricity, and isn’t ductile or malleable. It is a very dull yellow, not lustrous at all, and is translucent.

It is a waste product of industrial manufacturing, and is a major polluter in heavily industrialized places as the gas or liquid given off can contaminate water or cause acid rain. It is a natural byproduct of volcanic activity, and thus was not discovered or created, but was instead around during the creation of Earth. Some scientist theorize that sulfur may have had a role in the development of Earth, as the conditions during the time may have lead to chemical reactions between sulfur and water, causing single celled organisms to be created. Sulfur is used in batteries, in the form of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), fireworks, gunpowder (when mixed with charcoal and potassium nitrate), pesticides and insecticides as well as fertilizers, as some sulfates help carry nutrients to plants instead of harming them, and also in some medicines (antibodies). Sulfur is also used in mustard gas (H8C4SCl2) in warfare.

It is found in family 6, column 16 on the periodic table, and therefore has a combining capacity of 2, and needs to gain two electrons to become an ion, in which case it has a charge of negative two.

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