Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot symbol for a neutral atom of sulfur?

• A. S with four dots arranged as single dots on four sides of the symbol
• B. S with eight dots arranged as four pairs around the symbol
• C. S with six dots arranged as two pairs and two single dots around the symbol
• D. S with two dots as a single pair on one side of the symbol

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots placed around the chemical symbol of the element.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for sulfur. Sulfur is in group 16 (or VIA) of the periodic table, which means it has 6 valence electrons.
3. Arrange the 6 valence electrons as dots around the symbol 'S'. The convention is to place one dot on each side (top, bottom, left, right) before pairing them up, so you first place 4 single dots, then add the remaining 2 dots as pairs.
4. The correct Lewis dot symbol for sulfur will have 6 dots: two pairs of dots on two sides and two single dots on the other two sides, reflecting the 6 valence electrons.
5. Compare this arrangement to the options given and identify the one that matches the 6 valence electrons arranged as two pairs and two single dots around the symbol.