Final answer:
The ion typically formed by sulfur when it reacts with metals is the sulfide ion (S²⁻), which has a charge of -2. This anion is formed because sulfur, belonging to group 16, gains two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The charge of the ion typically formed by sulfur is -2. Sulfur, which belongs to group 16 of the periodic table, tends to gain two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. When sulfur (Z = 16) gains two electrons, it forms a sulfide ion (S²⁻) which has an oxidation state of 2-. The sulfide ion has more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge. This ion is known as an anion due to its negative charge. In compounds like SO₂, sulfur may exhibit different oxidation states, but it is the sulfide ion S²⁻ that is commonly formed when sulfur reacts with metals.