hen sulfur ionizes, it gains two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a total of 18 electrons. Hence the correct option is b.
Sulfur, belonging to Group 6A of the periodic table, has six valence electrons in its outermost electron shell, specifically in the 3s²3p⁴ configuration. To attain a more stable and inert configuration similar to that of noble gases, sulfur tends to gain two electrons. This ionization process transforms sulfur into a negatively charged ion, known as a sulfide ion (S2−), with a configuration of 3s²3p⁶, equivalent to the noble gas argon.
The gain of two electrons fills the 3p subshell, completing the outermost electron shell and providing the sulfide ion with a total of 18 electrons. This stable electron configuration is more energetically favorable, contributing to the chemical properties of sulfide ions in various compounds. Therefore, when sulfur ionizes, it acquires a total of 18 electrons, and the correct answer is 18. Hence the correct option is b.