Comments on: O Level Chemistry – Sulfuric Acid vs Sulphuric Acid for H2SO4

By: SimpleChemConcepts | Chemistry Tips: How to Revise for your GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry Exams

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:06:43 +0000

[...] Sulfur OR Sulphur? Sulfuric Acid OR Sulphuric Acid? [...]

By: How I Lost Thirty Pounds in Thirty Days

How I Lost Thirty Pounds in Thirty Days — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:40:24 +0000

Hi, interesting post. I have been thinking about this issue,so thanks for posting. I will certainly be coming back to your blog.

By: sean

sean — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:15:56 +0000

Hi Clayton Walls,

Thank you for your comments and sharing of what’s acceptable (as well as changes) in Alberta, Canada.

It is indeed confusing for junior chemistry students to have so many versions of chemical name for an element etc. We all know that Chemists (anyone that studies Chemistry) should follow the IUPAC naming of all chemical species. However, there just seems to be too many bureacratic red-tapes for countries and education ministries to better effect the changes in naming. Having said that, i do not know how any changes in Chemistry can be effectively and efficiently brought across the globe in split seconds. The internet seems to be the best method for now.

In Singapore, we are following the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) very closely through the GCE O and A-Levels Syllabuses.

We have been using Aluminium for the past decades, and hope we do not revert to aluminum. (it takes me a while to get used to such changes).

Look forward to hearing from you more.

Cheers
Sean Chua

By: sean

sean — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:03:06 +0000

Hi Xin,

I think there might be some miscommunication between your teacher and yourself.

Sulfide refers to the S2- anion while Sulfate refers to the SO42- polyatomic anion.

You might want to clarify with your school teacher again.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

To Your Academic Success in Chemistry,
Sean Chua
Master Trainer & Author
WINNERS Education Group

By: sean

sean — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:00:58 +0000

Hi Rin,

I am glad you are benfitting from the latest blogposts.

Indeed, you will not be penalised for using sulphuric acid or sulfuric acid in your written answer.

However, you need to be cautious when the chemical name “sulfuric acid” came out in the exam question.
I.e. you need to know that they are talking about the chemical formulae H2SO4.

This is because i used to have a student that thought “Sulfuric Acid” is different from Sulphuric Acid and make a guess that the chemical formula is H2SO5 etc…do not fall for this trap yeah!

Let me know if you need any clarifications!

To Your Academic Success in Chemistry,
Sean Chua
Master Trainer & Author
WINNERS Education Group