What happens when you mix Zinc and Sulfur?

WHOOSH! Zinc meets Sulfur

Zinc and sulfur powders sit quietly until they are lit. Then they react all at once in a blinding flash and a big puff of yellow-white smoke.

The result

What it makes
Zinc sulfide
Equation
Zn + S → ZnS
When it happens
With a spark or a flame

Fun fact from Fizzy: Zinc sulfide glows in the dark after light shines on it. It is used in glow-in-the-dark toys!

🥽 This reaction is fierce and smoky. Only chemistry teachers do it, outside or in a fume cupboard.

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