Problem 8
Question
The atomic number of sulfur (S) is 16. Sulfur combines with hydrogen by covalent bonding to form a compound, hydrogen sulfide. Based on the number of valence electrons in a sulfur atom, predict the molecular formula of the compound. (Explain your answer.) a. \(\mathrm{HS}\) b. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}\) c. \(\mathrm{H}_{4} \mathrm{~S}_{2}\) d. \(\mathrm{H}_{4} \mathrm{~S}\)
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
The molecular formula of hydrogen sulfide is \(\text{H}_{2}\text{S}\).
1Step 1: Identify Valence Electrons in Sulfur
Sulfur (S) has an atomic number of 16. By looking at the periodic table, sulfur is in group 16, which means it has 6 valence electrons.
2Step 2: Determine How Many Electrons Sulfur Needs to Gain
In order to achieve a full outer shell (octet rule), sulfur needs to gain 2 more electrons, since it currently has 6 valence electrons.
3Step 3: Electron Sharing with Hydrogen
Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron and needs to form 1 bond to achieve a full shell (2 electrons). Since sulfur needs 2 additional electrons, it can form 2 covalent bonds with 2 hydrogen atoms.
4Step 4: Predict the Molecular Formula
Given that sulfur forms 2 covalent bonds with 2 hydrogen atoms, the molecular formula of hydrogen sulfide will be \(\text{H}_{2}\text{S}\).
Key Concepts
Valence ElectronsOctet RuleMolecular Formula PredictionHydrogen Sulfide
Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. These electrons determine how an atom bonds and interacts with other atoms.
For sulfur (S), which has an atomic number of 16, we look at its position in the periodic table to find its valence electrons.
Sulfur is located in group 16, meaning it has 6 valence electrons. These 6 electrons play a key role in forming bonds with other elements, such as hydrogen in hydrogen sulfide.
For sulfur (S), which has an atomic number of 16, we look at its position in the periodic table to find its valence electrons.
Sulfur is located in group 16, meaning it has 6 valence electrons. These 6 electrons play a key role in forming bonds with other elements, such as hydrogen in hydrogen sulfide.
Octet Rule
The octet rule is a chemical principle that states that atoms tend to form bonds in such a way that they have eight electrons in their outer shell, achieving a configuration similar to noble gases.
By achieving an octet, atoms become more stable.
For sulfur to complete its octet, it needs 2 more electrons because it already has 6 valence electrons.
This is why sulfur will form bonds with other atoms to gain those additional 2 electrons.
By achieving an octet, atoms become more stable.
For sulfur to complete its octet, it needs 2 more electrons because it already has 6 valence electrons.
This is why sulfur will form bonds with other atoms to gain those additional 2 electrons.
Molecular Formula Prediction
Predicting a molecular formula involves knowing how atoms share or transfer electrons to achieve stable configurations.
In our case, since sulfur needs 2 more electrons and each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron it can share, sulfur will bond with 2 hydrogen atoms.
This leads to the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as each hydrogen provides one electron to help sulfur complete its octet.
The correct molecular formula prediction for this combination is H₂S.
In our case, since sulfur needs 2 more electrons and each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron it can share, sulfur will bond with 2 hydrogen atoms.
This leads to the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as each hydrogen provides one electron to help sulfur complete its octet.
The correct molecular formula prediction for this combination is H₂S.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a compound formed from the covalent bonding of sulfur and hydrogen.
This molecule consists of one sulfur atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Because sulfur needs two additional electrons to complete its octet, it forms two single covalent bonds with two hydrogen atoms, each hydrogen atom providing one electron for the bond.
Hydrogen sulfide is commonly known for its distinct rotten egg smell, and it is an important substance in various chemical processes.
This molecule consists of one sulfur atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Because sulfur needs two additional electrons to complete its octet, it forms two single covalent bonds with two hydrogen atoms, each hydrogen atom providing one electron for the bond.
Hydrogen sulfide is commonly known for its distinct rotten egg smell, and it is an important substance in various chemical processes.
Other exercises in this chapter
Problem 6
Most of the unique properties of water result from the fact that water molecules a. are the most abundant molecules on Earth's surface. b. are held together by
View solution Problem 7
A can of cola consists mostly of sugar dissolved in water, with some carbon dioxide gas that makes it fizzy and makes the pH less than \(7 .\) In chemical terms
View solution Problem 11
In terms of electron sharing between atoms, compare nonpolar covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, and ions.
View solution Problem 14
What do you think the effect on the properties of water would be if oxygen and hydrogen had equal electronegativity?
View solution