Which statement explains why sulfur is classified as a Group 16 element?
A) A sulfur atom has 6 valence electrons
B) A sulfur atom has 16 neutrons
C) Sulfur is a yellow solid at STP
D) Sulfur reacts with most metals
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A) A sulfur atom has 6 valence electrons.
Explanation:
Sulfur is classified as a Group 16 element in the periodic table, which is also known as the chalcogen group. The key characteristic that determines an element’s group placement is the number of valence electrons in its outer shell. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, and they play a crucial role in chemical bonding and reactions.
Sulfur, with the atomic number 16, has the electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴. This configuration shows that sulfur has six electrons in its outermost shell (the third energy level). In detail, the outermost shell consists of two electrons in the 3s subshell and four electrons in the 3p subshell, totaling six valence electrons.
This six-electron configuration influences sulfur’s chemical behavior, particularly its tendency to form compounds. Elements in Group 16 typically exhibit similar chemical properties due to their valence electron count. For instance, sulfur often forms compounds by gaining, sharing, or losing electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, similar to that of noble gases, typically by acquiring two additional electrons to fill its p orbital, achieving an octet.
Other answer choices do not correctly explain the group classification. For example, option B mentions neutrons, which do not affect an element’s classification in the periodic table. Option C refers to the physical state of sulfur at standard temperature and pressure (STP), which, while a characteristic, does not define its group. Option D, while true that sulfur reacts with most metals, does not explain its classification as a Group 16 element.
In summary, the defining characteristic of sulfur being in Group 16 is the presence of six valence electrons, which governs its chemical properties and behavior.