How Do You Spell ZINC SULFIDE?

Pronunciation: [zˈɪŋk sˈʌlfa͡ɪd] (IPA)

Zinc sulfide, a chemical compound used in a variety of industries, has a specific spelling that can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /zɪŋk sʌlfaɪd/, with the first syllable "zinc" being pronounced with a voiced alveolar nasal consonant /z/ followed by an unvoiced velar stop consonant /k/. The second part of the word, "sulfide", is pronounced with an unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/ followed by an unvoiced dental fricative /θ/ before the final syllable containing a diphthong /aɪd/.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ZINC SULFIDE Meaning and Definition

  1. Zinc sulfide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnS. It is a white or slightly colored crystalline solid that occurs naturally as the mineral sphalerite, but can also be synthesized industrially. Zinc sulfide is primarily composed of zinc metal and sulfur atoms.

    In terms of its physical properties, zinc sulfide is a relatively soft material with a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4. It has a high melting point of approximately 1,850 degrees Celsius and a density of about 4.09 grams per cubic centimeter. The compound is not soluble in water but can dissolve in certain acids, such as hydrochloric acid, with the release of hydrogen sulfide gas.

    Zinc sulfide is widely used in various applications across different industries. Its luminescent properties make it a popular choice for creating phosphors in fluorescent lamps and cathode ray tubes. It is also commonly utilized as a pigment in paints, plastics, and rubber products to achieve a white or yellowish color. The compound serves as an essential component in the production of optoelectronic devices like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and x-ray screens.

    Furthermore, zinc sulfide is utilized in the manufacture of pigments for luminescent paints and dyes, as well as in the preparation of optical windows and lenses due to its transparency in the infrared region. Additionally, it is employed as a detection material in various sensors, particularly for detecting radiation and as a scintillator in nuclear detectors.

Etymology of ZINC SULFIDE

The word "zinc sulfide" originates from the combination of the chemical element "zinc" and the compound "sulfide".

The term "zinc" comes from the German word "Zink", which is derived from the Persian word "sing", meaning "stone". This is potentially related to the appearance of zinc ore after heating, causing it to turn into a bright blue stone.

The word "sulfide" is derived from the Greek word "sulphur", meaning "sulfur". Sulfur has been known since ancient times and was named after the Greek word "sulphurion", which implies "burned or hellish substance".

Therefore, when combined as "zinc sulfide", the term refers to the compound formed by the chemical reaction between zinc and sulfur.