Question

What would be the electron dot structure of a molecule of sulphur which is made up of eight atoms of sulphur?

Answer 1

Hint: To draw the electron dot structure, you must know the number of valence electrons present in a sulphur atom. Atomic number of sulphur is 16. A sulphur molecule is made up of eight sulphur atoms, linked together by the covalent bonds.

Complete Solution :
- Sulphur, chemical symbol ‘S’, belongs to group 16 of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 16. Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 6. Thus, an atom of sulphur has 6 valence electrons.
- We are asked to draw the electron dot structure of a sulphur molecule. Electron dot structure is a representation of the valence electrons of an element, represented by the dots around the symbol of the element. The number of dots in the electron dot structure is equal to the valence electrons of the atom. The chemical formula of a sulphur molecule is ${S_8}$, that is eight atoms are linked together in a sulphur molecule. Each sulphur atom is linked to other similar atoms on either side by the covalent bonds. In this way, each sulphur atom completes its octet by sharing the electrons.
- The structure of a sulphur molecule is in the form of a ring and also represented by a crown shape as shown below:
        

Thus, above structures are electron dot structures of a molecule of sulphur which is made up of eight atoms of sulphur.

Note: Chemical formula of sulphur molecule is ${S_8}$. It is also known by the common name ‘cyclooctasulfur’. Since the sulphur molecule is made up of eight sulphur atoms, the word ‘Octa’ is used. You can also be asked to draw the structure of cyclooctasulfur.