Question

What is the electron configuration for sulfur?

A. 1s^22s^22p^6 3s^2 3p^6
B. 1s^22s^22p^6 2s^6
C. 1s^22s^22p^6 3s^2 3p^4
D. 1s^22s^22p^6 2s^2 2p^6

Answer 1

The electron configuration for sulfur is 1s²2s²2p¶3s²3p⁴, with electrons filling the 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and 3p orbitals in order.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron configuration for sulfur is 1s²2s²2p¶3s²3p⁴. Sulfur, with an atomic number of 16, follows the general rules for electron filling order. The 1s orbital holds two electrons, the 2s orbital also holds two, while the 2p orbital can hold up to six electrons.

After filling these orbitals, the remaining electrons go into the 3s and 3p orbitals. In the case of sulfur, the 3s orbital is fully occupied with two electrons, and the 3p orbital contains four electrons, thus giving the complete electron configuration mentioned above.