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).
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