sulfur dioxide
Học thuậtThân thiện
A scientist carefully measures sulfur dioxide emissions from a factory smokestack.
Definition
Noun: A colorless, toxic gas with the chemical formula SO₂. It occurs naturally in volcanic gases and is produced industrially from the burning of fossil fuels (like coal and oil) containing sulfur. It is a significant air pollutant that contributes to the formation of acid rain and respiratory problems.
Usage and Examples
- The primary source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the combustion of fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities.
- Sulfur dioxide emissions are strictly regulated to reduce environmental damage.
- Scientists monitor volcanic plumes for high concentrations of sulfur dioxide, which can indicate an impending eruption.
Advanced Usage and Context
- Environmental Science: In atmospheric chemistry, sulfur dioxide is a key precursor to sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) aerosols, which are a major component of acid deposition (acid rain).
- Industrial Use: Despite being a pollutant, sulfur dioxide has industrial applications, such as a preservative (E220) in dried fruits and winemaking, and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant.
Variants and Related Words
- Sulphur dioxide: The British English spelling variant.
- SO₂: The standard chemical formula.
- Sulfite: (Noun) A salt or ester of sulfurous acid, often related to sulfur dioxide in chemical processes (e.g., sodium sulfite).
Synonyms and Related Terms
- SO₂ gas: A more technical synonym.
- Sulfur oxide: A broader category of gases that includes sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and sulfur trioxide (SO₃).
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Acid rain precursor: A common descriptive phrase for sulfur dioxide in environmental contexts.
- Criteria air pollutant: In regulatory frameworks (e.g., the U.S. Clean Air Act), sulfur dioxide is classified as one of six major pollutants for which standards are set.
- Flue-gas desulfurization: The technological process used to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust flue gases of fossil-fuel power plants.
A scientist carefully measures sulfur dioxide emissions from a factory smokestack.
Noun
- a colorless toxic gas (SO2) that occurs in the gases from volcanoes; used in many manufacturing processes and present in industrial emissions; causes acid rain