How is the electron configuration of Sulfur consistent with the formation of Na2S and SF6?

Answer 1

Sulfur has six valence electrons and can therefore attain an inert gas configuration in two different ways: by accepting two electrons to attain the electron configuration of argon or donating or sharing six electrons to attain the electron configuration of neon. In combination with the much less electronegative element sodium, sulfur accepts one electron from each of two sodium atoms to form the ionic compound Na2S, but in combination with the more electronegative element fluorine, sulfur shares its six valence electrons with each of six fluorine atoms to form six polar covalent bonds with fluorine.

Answer 2

Sulfur has 16 electrons which can form 6 bonds, as seen in SF6 where sulfur is bonded to 6 fluorine atoms. In Na2S, sulfur gains 2 electrons from two sodium atoms to achieve a stable octet, consistent with its electron configuration. This shows how sulfur can accommodate different bonding arrangements based on its electron configuration.

Answer 3

Sulfur has 16 electrons which can form 6 bonds, as seen in SF6 where sulfur is bonded to 6 fluorine atoms. In Na2S, sulfur gains 2 electrons from two sodium atoms to achieve a stable octet, consistent with its electron configuration. This shows how sulfur can accommodate different bonding arrangements based on its electron configuration.