Multiple Choice
Shown below is an ion from a salt molecule. Which statement best explains how this ion was formed?
3
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Sulfur readily forms which of the following monatomic ions?
A
S^{2-}
B
S^{2+}
C
S^{+}
D
S^{-}
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that sulfur is a nonmetal in group 16 of the periodic table, which means it tends to gain electrons to achieve a full octet in its valence shell.
Recall that monatomic ions form when an atom gains or loses electrons to reach a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
Since sulfur has 6 valence electrons, it tends to gain 2 electrons to complete its octet, forming the ion $S^{2-}$.
Consider the other options: losing electrons to form positive ions like $S^{2+}$ or $S^{+}$ is less common for sulfur because it would require removing electrons from a stable octet, which is energetically unfavorable.
Therefore, the most stable and common monatomic ion formed by sulfur is $S^{2-}$.
Related Videos
Related Practice
