16 S 32.06

Sulfur

polyatomic nonmetal

Properties

Atomic number
16
Atomic mass
32.06 u
Category
polyatomic nonmetal
Group
16
Period
3
Block
p-block
State (room temp)
Solid
Outer-shell electrons
6
Electronegativity
2.58 (Pauling)
Density
2.07 g/cm³
Melting point
115.21 °C
Boiling point
444.65 °C

Electron configuration

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴

Noble-gas shorthand: [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴

Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 6, which is 6 in the outermost shell.

Related: electron configuration, the Bohr model, valence electrons.

S
Bohr model; outer-shell electrons in blue

About Sulfur

Sulfur or sulphur (see spelling differences) is a chemical element with symbol S and atomic number 16. It is an abundant, multivalent non-metal. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with chemical formula S8.

Sulfur: frequently asked questions

What is Sulfur?
Sulfur (S) is the chemical element with atomic number 16. It is a nonmetal (polyatomic nonmetal).
What is the atomic number of Sulfur?
Sulfur's atomic number is 16, which means every Sulfur atom has 16 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Sulfur?
The electron configuration of Sulfur is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4 (noble-gas shorthand: [Ne] 3s2 3p4). Its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 6, with 6 in the outermost shell.
Is Sulfur a metal or a nonmetal?
Sulfur is a nonmetal (polyatomic nonmetal).
What group and period is Sulfur in?
Sulfur is in group 16 and period 3 of the periodic table.
Is Sulfur a solid, liquid, or gas?
At room temperature, Sulfur is a solid.

Position in the periodic table

Open the interactive periodic table →

Data compiled from Wikipedia, PubChem, and IUPAC. Source.