Sulfuric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sulfuric
[ˈsʌlfjʊrɪk ]
Definition
chemical compound
Sulfuric refers to a type of strong acid known as sulfuric acid, which is one of the most important chemicals produced globally. It is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid is primarily used in fertilizer production, mineral processing, petroleum refining, and chemical synthesis. Due to its strong acidic nature, it can react violently with many substances, including water, and often requires careful handling in industrial applications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The laboratory used sulfuric acid to conduct the experiment.
- Sulfuric acid is essential in the production of phosphoric acid.
- Caution is required when handling sulfuric acid due to its corrosive properties.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Sulfuric acid is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world, essential in various industrial processes.
- It plays a critical role in the manufacture of fertilizers, especially phosphate fertilizers, enhancing agricultural productivity.
- This acid can absorb water vapor from the air, making it a strong dehydrating agent and useful in chemical reactions.
History
- Sulfuric acid has been known since ancient times, with early alchemists using it for various experiments.
- In the late 1700s, a famous chemist named Joseph Black helped identify its properties, significantly advancing chemistry.
- By the 19th century, sulfuric acid became crucial during the Industrial Revolution, fueling the production of other chemicals.
Environmental Impact
- When released into the environment, sulfuric acid can cause acid rain, harming ecosystems and water sources.
- Its production and use have led to strict regulatory measures to minimize environmental impacts globally.
- Acid rain from pollutants, including sulfuric acid, can severely damage forests, lakes, and even buildings.
Pop Culture
- Sulfuric acid has been featured in various films and literature as a dangerous substance, often linked to criminal activities.
- In the popular TV series 'Breaking Bad', sulfuric acid is used by the characters to dispose of evidence, highlighting its corrosive nature.
- Music and art sometimes reference sulfuric acid metaphorically, symbolizing strong emotions or destructive relationships.
Origin of 'sulfuric'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'sulfurium', which means ‘brimstone’ or 'sulfur'.
- Evolving from its Latin roots, the term became 'sulfuric' in English to describe its relation to sulfur compounds.
- In the 18th century, chemists began to better understand sulfuric acid's properties, leading to its current name.
The term 'sulfuric' originates from the element 'sulfur', which has been known since antiquity and comes from the Latin word 'sulfurium'. The acid itself was first isolated in the 8th century by the Persian alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan. Its systematic study began in the 17th century, leading to the modern understanding of sulfuric acid's properties and applications. The naming convention typically reflects the acidic characteristic of sulfur and its derivatives. The industrial production of sulfuric acid expanded dramatically during the Industrial Revolution, fundamentally impacting various industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.