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Sulfur hexafluoride
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas composed of one sulfur atom and six fluorine atoms. It is chemically stable and has excellent insulating and arc-quenching properties, making it widely used in the electrical industry, particularly in high-voltage circuit breakers and gas-insulated switchgear.
Due to its inertness and density, SF6 is also used in leak detection, tracer gas studies, and certain medical imaging applications. However, it is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. Because of its environmental impact, efforts are underway to find safer alternatives and reduce emissions.
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