Question

What is the formula unit for a compound made from lead (pb4+) and sulfur (s)?

Answer 1

Answer: The chemical formula for the compound formed will be
`PbS_2`

Step-by-step explanation:

Lead is the 82th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`[Xe]4f^(14)5d^(10)6s^26p^2`

This element has an oxidation state of +4 units.

Sulfur is the 16th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`[Ne]3s^23p^4`

This element requires 2 electrons and thus shows an oxidation state of -2 units.

By criss-cross method, the oxidation state of the ions gets exchanged and they form the subscripts of the other ions. This results in the formation of a neutral compound.

Thus, the chemical formula for the compound formed will be
`PbS_2`

Answer 2

The formula unit for a compound made from lead (Pb4+) and sulfur (s) is PbS2 or lead sulfide.
Sulfur has an anion, its in family 16; thus it has 6 valence electrons; therefore it will need to gain two electrons to attained an octet configuration, giving it a charge of 2-. Lead has four valence electrons; it will need to lose four electrons to be stable; it will therefore give the four electrons to two sulfur atoms.