Sulfur (S): Bohr Model, Protons, Neutrons & Electrons
Sulfur is element number 16, a nonmetal in group 16, period 3. Its atom has 16 protons, 16 neutrons and 16 electrons arranged in 3 shells: 2, 8, 6.
Protons, neutrons and electrons in sulfur
The atomic number of sulfur is 16, so every sulfur atom has 16 protons. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons, 16. The number of neutrons depends on the isotope: neutrons = mass number − atomic number. For sulfur-32, that is 32 − 16 = 16 neutrons. Sulfur has 4 stable isotopes, with 16, 17, 18, 20 neutrons.
How to draw the Bohr model of sulfur
- Draw the nucleus and write 16 p⁺ and 16 n⁰ inside it.
- Draw the first shell and put 2 electrons on it (the first shell holds at most 2).
- Draw the second shell and put 8 electrons on it.
- Draw the third shell and put 6 electrons on it.
- Check: 2 + 8 + 6 = 16 electrons, the same as the number of protons.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴. Its 6 outer electrons decide how it reacts: it tends to gain 2 more, forming S²⁻ ions.
Key facts about sulfur
| Symbol | S |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 16 |
| Relative atomic mass | 32.06 |
| Group · period · block | group 16 · period 3 · p-block |
| Type | Nonmetal |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Electron shells | 2, 8, 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴ |
| Valence electrons | 6 |
| Common ion | S²⁻ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.58 |
| First ionisation energy | 10.36 eV (1000 kJ/mol) |
| Atomic radius (empirical) | 100 pm |
Where sulfur sits on the periodic table
Frequently asked questions
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does sulfur have?
Sulfur has 16 protons and 16 electrons (atomic number 16). Its most common isotope, sulfur-32, has 32 − 16 = 16 neutrons.
What is the electron configuration of sulfur?
[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴. In shells that is 2, 8, 6.
How many valence electrons does sulfur have?
6. Sulfur is in group 16, and its outer shell holds 6 electrons.
Where is sulfur on the periodic table?
In group 16, period 3, in the p-block. It is a nonmetal.
