Question

The atomic number of sulfur 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.

(A) HS

(B) HS₂

(C) H₂S

(D) H₄S

Short answer

(A) The option “HS” is false.

(B) The statement “HS₂” is false.

(C) The option “H₂S” is true.

(D) The option “H₄S” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

The atom consists of three subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. The protons are the positively charged particles, and the neutrons possess a neutral charge. The electrons are negatively charged particles.

HS is not the exact molecular formula of hydrogen sulfide. The hydrogen and sulfur do not share one electron as per this case.

Thus, HS is an incorrect answer.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

HS₂is the incorrect molecular formula of hydrogen sulfide. The sharing does happen between two sulfur and one hydrogen molecule.

Thus,HS₂is the incorrect answer.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Sulfur is an element that has six valence electrons that are present in the outermost orbit. It requires two more electrons to reach the stable configuration. The sulfur gets attached with two hydrogen atoms to reach the stable octet configuration.

In a hydrogen sulfide molecule, sulfur combines with two hydrogen atoms, and its molecular formula isH₂S.

Thus, theH₂S has the correct sharing of an electron to form a hydrogen sulfide molecule.Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Hydrogen does not share four electrons with the sulfur atom in the hydrogen sulfide molecule since the sulfur has only two vacant spaces in the valence orbit.

Thus, theH₄S is the incorrect answer.

Therefore, the given statement is false.