Sulfur (S): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Sulfur is element 16 on the periodic table, a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DSulfur quick facts
| Atomic number | 16 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | S |
| Atomic mass | 32.06 |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Group and period | Group 16, period 3 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 6 |
| Discovered | Ancient times |
What is sulfur used for?
- Sulfuric acid (most produced industrial chemical)
- Vulcanising rubber
- Gunpowder & fireworks
Interesting facts about sulfur
- Sulfuric acid production is often used as an indicator of a country's industrial development
- The "rotten egg" smell is hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur itself has no smell
- Sulfur deposits can form around volcanic vents and geysers
Sulfur has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
Where sulfur sits on the periodic table
Sulfur is in group 16, period 3. Tap any element to open its page.
Other nonmetals
Sulfur questions
What is the atomic number of sulfur?
Sulfur has atomic number 16, so every sulfur atom has 16 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is S and its atomic mass is 32.06.
Is sulfur a metal?
Sulfur is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a nonmetal, found in group 16, period 3.
What is the electron configuration of sulfur?
The electron configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴. Its electrons sit in 3 shells: 2, 8, 6.
What is sulfur used for?
Sulfur is used for sulfuric acid (most produced industrial chemical), vulcanising rubber and gunpowder & fireworks.
Who discovered sulfur?
Sulfur has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.