What happens when sulphur burns in oxygen

Answer 1

When sulfur burns in oxygen, it undergoes combustion to form sulfur dioxide (SO2). The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

S + O2 → 2SO2

During the burning process, the sulfur reacts with the oxygen in the air. The heat produced by the burning sulfur breaks the S-S bonds, allowing sulfur atoms to combine with oxygen atoms to form sulfur dioxide molecules. This reaction is exothermic, releasing a considerable amount of heat and light energy.

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is highly soluble in water and can dissolve to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3), which is a weak acid. When sulfur dioxide dissolves in water droplets in the atmosphere, it can react with other compounds and atmospheric conditions to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This process contributes to acid rain formation.