What will most likely occur if sulfur forms an ionic bond with another element? (Click on the icon for the periodic table to view sulfur)

Question

Sulfur will accept electrons.
Sulfur will donate electrons.
Sulfur will become a positive ion.
Sulfur will become less stable.

Answer 1

If sulfur forms an ionic bond with another element, the most likely occurrence is that:

Sulfur will accept electrons.

This is because sulfur is a nonmetal with six valence electrons and has a tendency to gain two electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration. When it forms an ionic bond, it typically combines with metals, which tend to donate electrons. As a result, sulfur will become a negative ion (specifically, a sulfide ion, S²⁻) in this process.