Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Number and Valence Electrons
The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons in its nucleus, which also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom. For sulfur, the atomic number is 16, meaning it has 16 electrons. The distribution of these electrons determines the number of valence electrons, which are crucial for bonding. Sulfur has six valence electrons, allowing it to form bonds with other elements.
Recommended video:
Electron Orbitals & Energy Shells
Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve stability. In the case of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur shares its valence electrons with two hydrogen atoms, each contributing one electron. This sharing allows both atoms to attain a full outer shell, fulfilling the octet rule for sulfur and the duet rule for hydrogen, leading to the formation of a stable molecule.
Recommended video:
Molecular Formula
The molecular formula of a compound indicates the types and numbers of atoms present in a molecule. For hydrogen sulfide, the correct molecular formula is H2S, which signifies that each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one sulfur atom. Understanding how to derive the molecular formula from the number of valence electrons and the bonding behavior of the involved elements is essential for predicting the correct formula.
Recommended video:
Pacemakers: Molecular Physiology