Question

Question #5e6fa

Answer 1

Sulfur has 16 electrons which gives an electronic structure of :

`1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(4)`

So you can see there are 6 electrons in the outer energy level which are available for chemical reactions.

It is better to think of oxidation states rather than valency.

The oxidation state , or number, is the charge on the atom if the compound was 100% ionic.

Sulfur can form compounds with oxidation states ranging from -2 to +6.

`S^(2-)` the sulfide ion which is -2

`S` the element which is zero

`SO_2` sulfur (IV) oxide which is +4

`SO_(4)^(2-)` sulfate(VI) which is +6.

(Note we use roman numerals to signify the oxidation state)

There are many more, but all within that range.