Question

Assign a reason for the following:

Sulphur hexafluoride is used as a gaseous electrical insulator.

Answer 1

1. It is chemically inert and extremely unreactive.
2. It is thermally stable and does not decompose easily.
3. It has high dielectric strength, meaning it resists electric breakdown.
4. It is colourless and odourless, making it safe and easy to handle.
5. Its octahedral structure contributes to its stability and insulating properties.

These properties make SF₆ ideal for use in high-voltage equipment like generators and switchgears as an electrical insulator.