Electron Configuration For Sulfur (S) - TerpConnect

Electron Configuration for Sulfur

A Step-by-Step Tutorial

• Intro to Electron Configurations
• Method 1: Using only the Periodic Table
• Method 2: Using the Electron Config. Chart
• Electron Configurations Worksheet
• Examples
• Hydrogen (H)
• Helium (He)
• Lithium (Li)
• Beryllium (Be)
• Boron (B)
• Carbon (C)
• Nitrogen (N)
• Oxygen (O)
• Fluorine (F)
• Neon (Ne)
• Sodium (Na)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Aluminum (Al)
• Silicon (Si)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Sulfur (S)
• Chlorine (Cl)
• Argon (Ar)
• Potassium (K)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Chromium (Cr, Cr2+, Cr3+)
• Copper (Cu, Cu+, Cu2+)
• Iron (Fe, Fe2+, Fe3+)
• Read my article in Science Education based on my dissertation.

Electron Configuration Notation: -shows the arrangment of electrons around the nucleus of an atom. - helps chemist understanding how elements form chemical bonds. - can be written using the period table or an electron configuration chart. How to Write the Electron Configuration for Sulfur (S)

In order to write the Sulfur electron configuration we first need to know the number of electrons for the S atom (there are 16 electrons). When we write the configuration we'll put all 16 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Sulfur atom.

In writing the electron configuration for Sulfur the first two electrons will go in the 1s orbital. Since 1s can only hold two electrons the next 2 electrons for sulfur go in the 2s orbital. The next six electrons will go in the 2p orbital. The p orbital can hold up to six electrons. We'll put six in the 2p orbital and then put the next two electrons in the 3s. Since the 3s if now full we'll move to the 3p where we'll place the remaining four electrons. Therefore the sulfur electron configuration will be 1s22s22p63s23p4.

Video: Sulfur Electron Configuration Notation

The configuration notation provides an easy way for scientists to write and communicate how electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom. This makes it easier to understand and predict how atoms will interact to form chemical bonds.

All rights reserved. © 2013 Wayne Breslyn