16
S
Nonmetal

Sulfur

Atomic number 16 · Period 3 · Block P

S · Sulfur
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Understanding the element

Sulfur (S) is chemical element 16. It belongs to the nonmetals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in fertiliser production, sulfuric acid and rubber vulcanisation.

fertiliser productionsulfuric acidrubber vulcanisation
Standard atomic weight[32.059, 32.076]

What its position in the table tells us

Sulfur sits in period 3, group 16 and the P block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.

Worth remembering
Sulfur has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses

Scientific sources

Element identity
Atomic number16
Group16
Period3
BlockP
CategoryNonmetal
PhaseSolid