Entity: SULPHUR
Sulphur is a nonmetallic chemical element essential for life, used in various forms such as sulfuric acid. It occurs free in volcanic regions and in combined states in minerals like gypsum and pyrite.
SULPHUR
Etymology
The term 'sulphur' is a UK spelling variant of 'sulfur'. The use of 'ph' instead of 'f' in the spelling is a historical convention.
Definition
Sulphur is a nonmetallic chemical element that is essential for all life, resembling oxygen in chemical properties. It is commonly used in the form of sulfuric acid for various industrial applications.
Historical Context
Sulphur has been known since ancient times and has been used in various cultures for medicinal and industrial purposes. It occurs naturally in volcanic regions and in minerals like gypsum, pyrite, and galena.
Cultural Significance
Sulphur has cultural significance in alchemy, where it symbolizes purification and transformation. It has also been used in traditional medicine and religious rituals in different societies.
Related Concepts
Sulphur is closely related to other nonmetallic elements like oxygen and selenium. It is also linked to industrial processes such as the extraction of phosphates from ores using sulfuric acid.
See Also
A nonmetallic chemical element that is essential for all life, resembles oxygen in chemical properties, and is used in various industrial applications.