======Burning Sulfur to Simulate Acid Rain======


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**Alternative titles:** Formation of Acid Rain from Sulfur
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place a small volume of water containing universal indicator in a beaker or flask.  
  - Light a small piece of sulfur on a deflagration spoon or similar holder.  
  - Lower the burning sulfur into the flask or hold it above the beaker so the fumes contact the indicator solution.  
  - Observe the indicator solution changing color from green to red as sulfur dioxide dissolves and acid forms.



====Links==== 
Sulfur burns in oxygen - Learn Science: 
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Combustion of Sulphur - Any Excuse for a Chemistry Experiment: 
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====Variations====
  * Use a pH probe instead of universal indicator to measure the acidity change quantitatively.  
  * Extend the demonstration by showing how limestone (calcium carbonate) neutralizes the acidic solution, but gets eaten away in the process.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat.  
  * Perform the experiment in a fume hood or well-ventilated area; sulfur dioxide is toxic and irritating to lungs and eyes.  
  * Handle burning sulfur with care to avoid spills or burns.  
  * Dispose of acidic solutions according to laboratory safety guidelines.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What gas is formed when sulfur burns in air? (Sulfur dioxide, SO₂.)  
  * Why does the universal indicator turn red? (SO₂ dissolves in water to form sulfurous acid, lowering the pH.)  
  * How does this model acid rain in the environment? (Burning sulfur compounds from fossil fuels releases SO₂, which dissolves in atmospheric water, creating acid rain.)  
  * What environmental effects can acid rain cause? (Damage to plants, soil acidification, corrosion of buildings, harm to aquatic life.)