Element 16
Sulfur
Nonmetals
Sulfur (S) is in the p-block of the periodic table — group 16, period 3.
Sulfur or sulphur (see spelling differences) is a chemical element with symbol S and atomic number 16.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 16
- Atomic mass
- 32.060 u
- Group / Period
- 16 / 3
- Block
- p-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 2.07 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 115.2 °C
- Boiling point
- 444.6 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Ne] 3s2 3p4
Periodic table block
Sulfur is in the p-block (group 16, period 3). Elements land in the p-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a p subshell — this region holds most nonmetals, the metalloids, and the metals on the right of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Sulfuric acid
- •Vulcanized rubber
- •Gunpowder
Discovery
Year: Known since antiquity
Discovered by: Ancient china
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Sulfur?
Sulfur has atomic number 16. Its symbol is S and its atomic mass is 32.06 u.
What category of element is Sulfur?
Sulfur is classified as nonmetals. It sits in group 16, period 3 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Sulfur in?
Sulfur is in the p-block (group 16, period 3). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the p subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Ne] 3s2 3p4.
What is Sulfur used for?
Common uses of Sulfur include: Sulfuric acid, Vulcanized rubber, Gunpowder.
When was Sulfur discovered?
Sulfur has been known since antiquity.
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