Sulfur (S) — Reactive nonmetal. Atomic number 16.
Bright yellow solid
- Atomic number: 16
- Symbol: S
- Atomic mass: 32.06 u
- Category: Reactive nonmetal
- State: Solid
- Melting point: 115.21 °C / 388.36 K
- Boiling point: 444.65 °C / 717.8 K
- Density: 2.07 g/cm³ (20°C)
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p4
- Oxidation states: −2, +2, +4, +6
- Electronegativity: 2.58
- Discovered by: Known since antiquity
Common uses: Sulfuric acid, Rubber vulcanization, Fertilizers, Fungicides
Biological role: Essential in amino acids and proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sulfur
What is the atomic number of sulfur?
Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, meaning each atom contains 16 protons in its nucleus.
What is the atomic mass of sulfur?
The standard atomic weight of sulfur is 32.06 u (unified atomic mass units).
What category does sulfur belong to?
Sulfur is classified as a reactive nonmetal.
What is the state of sulfur at room temperature?
Sulfur is a solid at 20 °C (68 °F).
What is the melting point of sulfur?
The melting point of sulfur is 115.21 °C / 388.36 K.
What is the boiling point of sulfur?
The boiling point of sulfur is 444.65 °C / 717.8 K.
What is the density of sulfur?
The density of sulfur is 2.07 g/cm³ (20°C).
What is the electronegativity of sulfur?
Sulfur has a Pauling electronegativity of 2.58.
What is the electron configuration of sulfur?
The electron configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s2 3p4.
What are the common oxidation states of sulfur?
Sulfur commonly exhibits the following oxidation states: −2, +2, +4, +6.
Is sulfur radioactive?
Sulfur is a stable element with no naturally occurring radioactive isotopes.
What is the biological role of sulfur?
Essential in amino acids and proteins.
What are the common uses of sulfur?
Sulfur is used for: Sulfuric acid; Rubber vulcanization; Fertilizers; Fungicides.
