Step-by-step explanation:
When an atom of sulfur loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion known as a sulfur cation. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
1. Atoms are made up of a positively charged nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by negatively charged electrons.
2. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number and identity. In the case of sulfur, it has 16 protons.
3. Normally, an atom is electrically neutral because the number of protons is balanced by the number of electrons.
4. However, when an atom loses an electron, the positive charge of the protons is no longer balanced by the negative charge of the electrons.
5. In the case of sulfur losing an electron, the resulting ion has one less electron, making it positively charged.
6. The charge of the sulfur cation depends on how many electrons it loses. For example, if sulfur loses one electron, it becomes a sulfur cation with a +1 charge. If it loses two electrons, it becomes a sulfur cation with a +2 charge, and so on.
7. Losing an electron affects the chemical behavior of the sulfur atom. It may now be more likely to bond with other atoms in order to gain stability. Overall, when a sulfur atom loses an electron, it forms a positively charged sulfur cation, which can then interact with other atoms to form compounds.