Sulfur (S)
Sulfur (S, element 16) is a nonmetal in group 16, period 3. Atomic mass 32.065, electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴, uses and facts.
About Sulfur
Sulfur is a nonmetal with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 16, period 3 of the periodic table. Sulfur has been known since antiquity.
Sulfur key facts
- Atomic number: 16
- Symbol: S
- Atomic mass: 32.065 u
- Category: nonmetal
- Group: 16
- Period: 3
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.58
- Melting point: 388.36 K (115.21 °C)
- Boiling point: 717.76 K (444.61 °C)
- Density: 2.067 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons.
Uses of sulfur
- Gunpowder
- Fertilizers
- Rubber vulcanization
Did you know?
Pure sulfur has no smell, the 'rotten egg' odor is hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a sulfur compound.
Other elements in group 16 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of sulfur?
The atomic number of sulfur is 16, which means every sulfur atom has 16 protons.
What is the electron configuration of sulfur?
The electron configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴.
What group and period is sulfur in?
Sulfur is a nonmetal in group 16, period 3.
What state is sulfur at room temperature?
Sulfur is a solid at room temperature.
What is sulfur used for?
Sulfur is used for gunpowder, fertilizers, rubber vulcanization.