Final answer:
The correct electron configuration for sulfur (atomic number 16) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴, corresponding to option C among the given choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron configuration for sulfur (S), which has an atomic number of 16, is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴. This notation explains the distribution of electrons in the atomic orbitals. The correct option among the given choices would therefore be C. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴. Each number represents a principal quantum number, the letter an orbital type, and the superscript the number of electrons in that orbital. The sequence follows the Aufbau principle, which is a method used to determine the electron configuration of an element.