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Glite Dictionary
💨 An insulating gas 🩻 A medical contrast gas
sulfur hexafluoride

sulfur hexafluoride

6.5
A colorless, odorless gas used to insulate electrical equipment and a strong greenhouse gas
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌlfər ˌhɛksəˈfluɔrɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hexafluoruro de azufre
  • Because sulfur hexafluoride is a strong greenhouse gas, its use is carefully regulated.

Examples

  • The laboratory uses sulfur hexafluoride as an insulator.

  • The electrical industry relies on sulfur hexafluoride for its superior insulating properties.

  • Researchers are developing alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride to reduce environmental impact.

  • Can you explain what sulfur hexafluoride is?

  • Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is often used as an effective sulfur hexafluoride in high-voltage applications.

  • Due to its properties, sulfur hexafluoride significantly contributes to the greenhouse effect when released into the atmosphere.

  • Engineers choose sulfur hexafluoride for gas-insulated switchgear because it prevents electrical arcs.

Surface Forms

sulfur hexafluoride singular
sulphur hexafluoride singular

Morphology

sulfur + hexafluoride

The term is compositionally built: 'sulfur' + 'hexafluoride' clearly indicates a sulfur compound with six fluorine atoms, so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it is a specific chemical (typically a gas). However, the specialized medical use as a microbubble ultrasound contrast agent is technical and not derivable from the parts, so the transparency is only partial.

Etymology

Sulfur hexafluoride comes from simple chemical naming: sulfur joined to six fluorine atoms, so 'hexafluoride' means 'six fluorine atoms'. Because this gas is heavy, very stable and does not burn, it makes a very good electrical insulator and also stays in the air for a long time, which is why it is a powerful greenhouse gas.