Question

What is the name of the element that has atoms with the same electronic structure as a sulfur ion?

Answer 1

Argon

Explanation:

The atomic number of sulfur is 16. A neutral S atom has 16 protons and 16 electrons. The formula for the sulfide ion is `"S"^(2-)"`, so it has gained to electrons for a total of 18. Its electron configuration is `"1s"^2"2s"^2"2p"^6"3s"^2"3p"^6"`.

This is the same electron configuration for a neutral Argon atom, which has atomic number 18; `"1s"^2"2s"^2"2p"^6"3s"^2"3p"^6"`. Argon is a noble gas, and the representative elements (groups 1,2,13-18, or the A groups) form ions that are isoelectronic with their closest noble gas.