Sulfur is element number 16, with the symbol S. It has been known since ancient times, and the gases from volcanoes contain compounds of sulfur.
Atomic number 1632.07
SSulfur硫黄 (iō)
Symbol
S
Atomic weight
32.07
Place in the table
Period 3 · Group 16
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
Known since ancient times
The symbol S comes from the Latin word for sulfur itself. Like gold, silver, copper, iron and carbon, sulfur has been known since ancient times.
Sulfur is also one of the nine elements that plants need in large amounts.
Volcanic gas, and experiments at school
Volcanic gas is mainly water vapor, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are harmful to breathe.
In Japanese eighth-grade science, students observe metals combining with oxygen or sulfur. Experiments with sulfur can give off harmful gases, so the method is checked carefully with the teacher first.
Think about it
Q1Why do people near volcanoes receive special warnings?
Q2When a metal combines with sulfur, how do you think it looks different?
Q3Many of the elements known since ancient times are metals. Why might that be?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Fireworks in the Edo period were made mainly from saltpeter, ash and sulfur.