How does an S2- ion differ from an electrically neutral sulfur atom?
a
number of electrons
b
atomic number
c
number of protons
d
mass number
The correct answer is a) number of electrons.
An S2- ion is an ion of sulfur that has gained two extra electrons, giving it a negatively charged state. In contrast, an electrically neutral sulfur atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge. The number of protons (atomic number) and mass number of the sulfur atom remain the same whether it is neutral or in an ionized state. The key difference between an S2- ion and a neutral sulfur atom is the presence or absence of two additional electrons.