Sulphur (also spelled sulfur) has atomic number 16. It is represented by the symbol S. It is a yellow, non-metallic element in Period 3 and Group 16 (VIA/Chalcogens) of the periodic table. Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 6. Sulphur has 6 valence electrons, making it form compounds like H₂SO₄ (sulphuric acid), H₂S, and SO₂.
Sulphur symbol: S; Atomic number: 16; Atomic mass: 32 u.
Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 6 (Period 3, Group 16, p-block).
6 valence electrons; variable valency: 2, 4, 6.
Yellow non-metal; forms H₂SO₄ (sulphuric acid, 'King of Acids').
Also found in FeS₂ (iron pyrite), gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O), amino acids.
Uses: H₂SO₄ production, rubber vulcanisation, fungicide, sulpha drugs.
Sulphur at a Glance:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Sulphur (Sulfur) |
| Symbol | S |
| Atomic Number (Z) | 16 |
| Atomic Mass | 32 u (32.06) |
| Electrons | 16 |
| Protons | 16 |
| Neutrons | 16 (in S-32 isotope) |
| Electronic Configuration | 2, 8, 6 |
| Period | 3 |
| Group | 16 (VIA — Chalcogens) |
| Block | p-block |
| Valence Electrons | 6 |
| State (room temp) | Solid |
| Colour | Bright yellow |
| Melting Point | 115.2°C |
| Boiling Point | 444.6°C |
| Classification | Non-metal |
Electronic Configuration of Sulphur: S (Z=16): 2, 8, 6 • Shell 1 (K): 2 electrons • Shell 2 (L): 8 electrons • Shell 3 (M): 6 electrons • Valence shell: 3rd shell; 6 valence electrons • Orbital: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
Valency of Sulphur: • In H₂S: valency = 2 (S²⁻) • In SO₂: valency = 4 (S⁴⁺) • In SO₃ / H₂SO₄: valency = 6 (S⁶⁺) • Sulphur shows variable valency: 2, 4, 6
Important Compounds of Sulphur: • H₂S — Hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg smell) • SO₂ — Sulphur dioxide (air pollutant) • SO₃ — Sulphur trioxide • H₂SO₄ — Sulphuric acid ('King of Acids', most widely used industrial chemical) • Na₂SO₄ — Sodium sulphate • CaSO₄ — Calcium sulphate (Plaster of Paris — CaSO₄·½H₂O)
Natural Occurrence: • Found in volcanic regions (free state) • As minerals: iron pyrite (FeS₂), galena (PbS), gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) • In proteins (amino acids: cysteine, methionine)
Uses of Sulphur: • Manufacturing H₂SO₄ (most important industrial use) • Vulcanisation of rubber • Fungicide in agriculture • Gunpowder and fireworks • Sulpha drugs (medicines)
Hindi: गंधक (Gandhak)
NCERT: Class 9 Science Chapter 4 — Structure of the Atom; Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 7 — p-Block Elements
Sulphur (S) has atomic number 16. Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 6. It is in Period 3 and Group 16 (Chalcogens). Atomic mass = 32 u. It has 6 valence electrons and shows variable valency (2, 4, 6). Key compound: H₂SO₄ (sulphuric acid — King of Acids). In Hindi: Gandhak (गंधक).
Electronic Configuration of First 30 Elements
Electronic configuration of first 30 elements: H to Zn. Full table with atomic number, element name, symbol, and electron configuration in shell and orbital notation.
Electronic Configuration of Scandium (Sc)
Learn the exact electronic configuration of Scandium (Sc, Atomic Number 21). Understand the Aufbau principle, the Argon core, and the 4s/3d orbital filling order.
Electronic Configuration of Sulphur (S)
Learn the electronic configuration of Sulphur (S). Atomic number 16. Understand how electrons are arranged in shells (2,8,6) and orbital notation (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4).
Elements 1 to 30 — Complete List with Names, Symbols and Key Facts
Complete list of elements 1 to 30: H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn with names, symbols and properties.
Elements and Their Valency (Table for Class 9 & 10)
Find a complete table of elements and their valency. Learn valencies of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, and 20+ common elements for Class 9 Chemistry.
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.