MHS AP Chemistry
Analysis of Sulfur Combustion Products

A major cause of acid rain is sulfur impurities in fossil fuels.  Burning sulfur produces oxides that dissolve in water vapor in the air.  These dissolved oxides become acidic, which damage ecosystems (and human construction and art) when it falls as rain.  In this lab, we will attempt to determine the composition of the products from sulfur combustion.

Procedure
You get to make up the procedure!  You will be given some sulfur to burn, but you must "trap" the products, because sulfur oxide gases are poisonous.  Make sure they combustion products are forced into water, then titrate to determine the presence of hydrosulfuric, sulfurous, or sulfuric acid.

Results
Report all data and results, in the order they were obtained.

Safety
Check over the MSDS for each chemical used during this investigation.
Since the gases produced are poisonous, you should make sure the ventilation is on in the room.
Since the solutions you make are acidic, you should wear goggles at all times during this lab.

Helpful Information

 
Ka1
Ka2
H2S
7.05
19
H2SO3
1.8
7.2
H2SO4
[strong]
1.92

 

[MHS AP Chemistry Page]