Chapter U1.19, Problem 7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The noble gas which is closest to sulfur in the periodic table needs to be determined. The change in sulphur which results it to have same electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas must also be explained.

Concept introduction:

Noble gases have very stable electronic configuration with complete octets. Some of the noble gases are He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and Rn.

Answer to Problem 7E

Argon (Ar) is closest to sulfur. Two electrons must be added to sulfur to attain the electronic configuration as that of argon.

Explanation of Solution

Sulfur has atomic number 16 and argon has atomic number 18. Thus, to make the same electronic configuration, sulfur atom needs two extra electrons. This can be done by sulfur if it gains two electrons which is known as sulphide ion (S^2-).

Conclusion

Two electrons must be added to sulfur to make the electronic configuration similar to argon.