Question

Write out the electronic structure for a sulfur ion.

a) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^10
b) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6
c) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^10
d) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6

Answer 1

The correct electronic structure for a sulfur ion is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰. Therefore, option (c) is the correct electronic structure for a sulfur ion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sulfur, with the atomic number 16, has the electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴ in its neutral state. When sulfur forms an ion, it tends to gain two electrons to achieve a stable, full outer shell. The electron configuration of a sulfur ion would be the same as argon (Ar) since it gains two electrons.

In option (c), the electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ represents a sulfur ion with a charge of -2, indicating the addition of two electrons. This matches the expected configuration for a stable sulfur ion. Therefore, option (c) is the correct electronic structure for a sulfur ion.

Understanding the electron configuration of ions is crucial in predicting the chemical behavior of elements. In this case, the sulfur ion achieves a more stable state by gaining two electrons to fill its outermost energy level, resembling the noble gas configuration of argon. This stability is a fundamental principle in chemical bonding and reactivity.