Sulfur (S)

About Sulfur

Sulfur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16, meaning every atom has 16 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Nonmetal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 32.06 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Sulfur sits in group 16, period 3, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Sulfur

In daily life and industry, Sulfur is used for Sulfuric acid, rubber vulcanization. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Nonmetal category.

Electron Structure of Sulfur

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Sulfur has 3 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 6 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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