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Sulfur (S) is a chemical element from the group of non-metals. Its name derives from the Latin sulfur or sulphuris . It is characterized by its bright yellow color. When exposed to fire, it generates a blue flame and gives off sulfur dioxide.
In nature, it is found in volcanic regions.
It is used for the manufacture of fertilizers and insecticides, fungicides, gunpowder, matches, laxatives, antiseptics and many other uses. It is also used to produce sulfuric acid for batteries.
what is a mixture
A mixture can be defined as the union of two or more components that are not combined through a chemical reaction. It is the combination of two or more elements that maintain their characteristics, that are mixed but that can still be separated by physical means.
Mixtures can be homogeneous, if their components are uniform and cannot be distinguished with the naked eye; or heterogeneous , in which its components can be easily differentiated.
How to make a mixture of iron and sulfur
To make a mixture of iron and sulfur, the following elements are needed:
- Iron filings.
- Powdered sulfur.
- Flat container.
In a bowl, add the iron filings and powdered sulfur to form the mixture. Stir until items are as uniform in appearance as possible.
Being a mixture, even though they appear to be attached, both iron and sulfur can still be separated. To check this, only a magnet is needed, which will attract the iron filings but not the sulfur powder: stir the mixture with the magnet, and the iron filings will stick to it, while the sulfur will remain in the container. Another way is to place the magnet under the container. The iron will be below and the sulfur powder above.
what is a compound
A compound is a substance that is formed through the chemical combination of two or more elements. Compounds are usually represented by chemical formulas.
Its main characteristic is that its components cannot be separated by physical processes, such as those explained for the mixture of iron and sulfur, decantation or distillation, but only by chemical processes.
How to make a compound of iron and sulfur
To make a compound of iron and sulfur we will need the following elements:
- Iron filings.
- Powdered sulfur.
- Test tube or beaker.
- Burner, burner or stove.
First, the mixture of iron and sulfur must be prepared in the beaker or test tube, as in the previous case. Then, place the container with the mixture on a burner or stove.
When exposed to heat, after a few minutes the mixture will begin to glow and transform into iron sulfide (FeS). Being a compound, its components cannot be separated by physical means.
Unlike the mixture, if there is an excess of one element more than the others, after the chemical reaction there will be a surplus. To avoid this, the proper proportions of each component must be used. For example, 3.5 grams of iron filings will completely react with 2 grams of sulfur, leaving virtually no residue.
Bibliography
- Rodríguez Alonso, JJ Applied chemistry. (2015). Spain. CreateSpace.
- Bea Sánchez, JL Formulation and Preparation of Mixtures. (2020). Spain. Synthesis.
- Hurtado Melo, S. Basic operations of the process, mixtures and solutions. (2012). Spain. IC Editorial.
