16 P 16 N Sulfur 1s² 2s² 2p? 3s² 3p?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, meaning it possesses 16 protons. The number of neutrons varies based on the isotope, but the most common form, sulfur-32, contains 16 neutrons. The electron configuration is structured according to energy levels and subshells.
The complete electron configuration of sulfur follows the standard filling order: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
Breaking this down:
- The first energy level contains the 1s orbital, which accommodates two electrons.
- The second energy level consists of the 2s and 2p orbitals. The 2s subshell holds two electrons, while the 2p subshell holds six, completing the second shell.
- The third energy level starts with the 3s subshell, containing two electrons, and continues with the 3p subshell, which contains four electrons.
Sulfur has a total of six valence electrons, located in the 3s and 3p orbitals. These valence electrons determine its chemical behavior, particularly its ability to form bonds. The tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons depends on the stability achieved through bonding.
The electron configuration indicates that sulfur often participates in reactions where it acquires two additional electrons, completing its 3p subshell and achieving a stable noble gas-like configuration. This characteristic enables it to form compounds such as sulfides (S²⁻) in ionic bonding or covalent compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
Understanding sulfur’s electron distribution aids in predicting its reactivity and interactions with other elements. The placement of electrons within atomic orbitals influences chemical properties, explaining why sulfur exhibits diverse oxidation states and bonds readily with oxygen, hydrogen, and metals in various compounds.
