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Answer: Sulphur cannot be found in its pure form in nature. Sulphur can be found in nature as compounds called sulfate, sulphite, and sulphide. The difference between sulphate, sulphite, and sulphide is evident in variations in the number of oxygen atoms, causing the various types of sulphur.
Complete Answer:
Sulphate: Sulphate is a chemical compound that contains sulfur (S) and oxygen (O). It is usually found in salt and minerals. The chemical formula of sulphate is SO₄²⁻. It is a polyatomic anion consisting of one sulfur (S) atom and four oxygen (O) atoms, carrying an overall charge of –2.
Sulphate (SO₄²⁻), sulphite (SO₃²⁻), and sulphide (S²⁻) differ in composition and oxidation states. Sulphate has four oxygen atoms, sulphite has three, and sulphide has none. Sulphate and sulphite are oxyanions, while sulphide is a simple anion. Their chemical properties and uses also vary significantly.
Sulphite: Sulphite (SO₃²⁻) is a polyatomic anion composed of one sulfur atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, carrying a –2 charge. It is commonly used as a preservative in foods and beverages to prevent spoilage and discoloration. Sulphites are also found in some industrial and chemical processes.
Sulphite (SO₃²⁻) differs from sulphate (SO₄²⁻) and sulphide (S²⁻) in oxygen content and structure. Sulphite has three oxygen atoms, while sulphate has four, and sulphide has none. Sulphite and sulphate are oxyanions, but sulphide is a simple anion. Their chemical behavior and applications also differ.
Sulphide: Sulphide (S²⁻) is a simple anion consisting of a single sulfur atom carrying a –2 charge. It is commonly found in metal sulphide compounds such as iron sulphide (FeS) and zinc sulphide (ZnS). Sulphides occur naturally in minerals and are also produced during decomposition of organic matter.
Sulphide (S²⁻) differs from sulphite (SO₃²⁻) and sulphate (SO₄²⁻) as it contains only sulfur without any oxygen atoms. It is a simple anion, while the others are oxyanions. Sulphide forms compounds with metals and is commonly found in minerals and during decomposition of organic matter.
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