Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot symbol for a sulfur (S) atom?

• A. S with two dots as a single pair on one side of the symbol
• B. S with four dots arranged as single dots on four sides of the symbol
• C. S with six dots arranged as two pairs and two single dots around the symbol
• D. S with eight dots arranged as four pairs around 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 element's symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for sulfur (S). Sulfur is in group 16 of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons.
3. Distribute these 6 valence electrons as dots around the sulfur symbol. The dots are placed on the four sides (top, bottom, left, right) of the symbol, following Hund's rule: place one dot on each side before pairing them.
4. Since sulfur has 6 valence electrons, you will place two pairs of dots (4 electrons) and two single dots (2 electrons) around the symbol, totaling 6 dots.
5. Compare the options given and identify the one that shows sulfur with six dots arranged as two pairs and two single dots around the symbol, which correctly represents the valence electrons.