Sulfur is the second element in Group 16 of the periodic family, a group of elements known as the oxygen family or the chalcogens. The term chalcogen means "ore-forming" and is used for members of this family because its first two members, oxygen and sulfur, are present in most important metallic ores. Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, an atomic mass of 32.064, and a chemical symbol of S.

Properties

Sulfur exists in three allotropic forms, two of which are yellow crystalline solids, and the third of which is an amorphous thick, brown, plastic liquid. The two crystalline allotropes are known as the (alpha) and (beta) forms of the element. The -form is a bright yellow solid that usually changes to the -form at a temperature of 202°F (94.5°C), although it can be melted if heated quickly to 235°F (112.8°C). The -form has a melting point...