Exploring the Sulfur Cycle

What natural processes release hydrogen sulfide gas into the atmosphere?

• Evaporation from oceans

• Photosynthesis and respiration

• Volcanic eruptions and hot springs

• Combustion of fossil fuels

Which compound is produced by certain marine algae and enters the atmosphere as tiny droplets?

• Sulfuric acid

• Dimethyl sulfide

• Sulfur dioxide

• Ammonium salts

What happens when sulfur dioxide reacts with atmospheric oxygen?

• It forms hydrogen sulfide

• It forms ammonium salts

• It forms sulfur trioxide

• It forms sulfuric acid

What is the result of the reaction between sulfur oxides and ammonia in the atmosphere?

• Formation of dimethyl sulfide

• Formation of hydrogen sulfide

• Formation of ammonium salts

• Formation of sulfuric acid

How do plants obtain sulfur?

• By absorbing sulfate ions from the soil

• By absorbing sulfur dioxide from the air

• By absorbing hydrogen sulfide from water

• By absorbing sulfuric acid from rain

How do animals obtain sulfur?

• By drinking water

• By breathing air

• By absorbing it through their skin

• By eating plants

What happens to sulfur compounds when living things decay?

• They are released as sulfate salts and hydrogen sulfide

• They are converted into sulfuric acid

• They are absorbed by animals

• They are converted into dimethyl sulfide

What do anaerobic bacteria release when they break down hydrogen sulfide in an oxygen-free environment?

• Dimethyl sulfide

• Sulfur gas

• Sulfuric acid

• Ammonium salts

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-3

What can oxygen-requiring bacteria do with sulfur?

• Convert it into dimethyl sulfide

• Convert it into hydrogen sulfide

• Convert it into sulfate salts

• Convert it into sulfuric acid