Sulfur vs. Sulphur — What's the Difference?

A yellow, nonmetallic element, essential for life.

Used in the production of sulfuric acid.

Used in the vulcanization of rubber.

Found in meteorites and minerals.

Used historically in traditional medicine.

A component in gunpowder.

An ingredient in many fertilizers.

Utilized in matches and fireworks.

Found in natural hot springs and volcanic regions.

A chemical element with atomic number 16.

Sulfur (in British English: sulphur) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic.

The chemical element of atomic number 16, a yellow combustible non-metal

Symbol S A pale yellow nonmetallic element occurring widely in nature in several free, allotropic and crystal forms and combined in numerous sulfates and sulfides. It is used in black gunpowder, rubber vulcanization, the manufacture of insecticides and pharmaceuticals, and in the preparation of sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid. Atomic number 16; atomic weight 32.066; melting point 115.21°C; boiling point 444.61°C; specific gravity at 20°C (rhombic) 2.07, (monoclinic) 2.00; valence 2, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.

An American butterfly with predominantly yellow wings that may bear darker patches.

Any of various butterflies of the subfamily Coliadinae of the family Pieridae, having yellow or orange wings often marked with black.

Disinfect or fumigate with sulphur.

To treat with sulfur or a compound of sulfur.

Variant of sulfur.

(uncountable) A chemical element (symbol S) with an atomic number of 16.

Alternative spelling of sulfur

A yellowish green colour, like that of sulfur.

Alternative spelling of sulfur

Any of various pierid butterflies of the subfamily Coliadinae, especially the sulfur-coloured species.

A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in large quantities, either combined as in the sulphides (as pyrites) and sulphates (as gypsum), or native in volcanic regions, in vast beds mixed with gypsum and various earthy materials, from which it is melted out. Symbol S. Atomic weight 32. The specific gravity of ordinary octohedral sulphur is 2.05; of prismatic sulphur, 1.96.

Of a yellowish green colour, like that of sulfur.

Any one of numerous species of yellow or orange butterflies of the subfamily Pierinæ; as, the clouded sulphur (Eurymus philodice syn. Colias philodice), which is the common yellow butterfly of the Eastern United States.

(transitive) To treat with sulfur, or a sulfur compound, especially to preserve or to counter agricultural pests.

An abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)

An abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)

Treat with sulphur in order to preserve;

Treat with sulphur in order to preserve;

IUPAC prefers 'sulfur' to standardize scientific communication internationally.

No, they refer to the same chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16.

In international contexts, 'sulfur' is recommended, though 'sulphur' can be used in British English contexts.

Yes, 'sulphur' is commonly taught and used in UK schools.

Canadian writers might use either, though 'sulfur' aligns with North American conventions.

They define both spellings as referring to the same chemical element, often noting regional usage differences.

The primary difference is in spelling; 'sulfur' is used in American English, while 'sulphur' is preferred in British English.

American scientists typically use 'sulfur' following the IUPAC and American English conventions.

It does not affect chemical formulas, as the element symbol 'S' remains constant.

The spelling variations have evolved over time with American English often simplifying or altering British spellings.

Yes, 'sulfur' has become more standardized in scientific contexts over recent decades.

International companies tend to use 'sulfur' for consistency in global markets.

Yes, there is a trend towards using 'sulfur' in scientific journals globally.

Neither spelling is more correct; it depends on regional language conventions.

It's possible but uncertain, as British English often retains traditional spellings.