Rewrite the electron configuration for sulfur (Example Problem 6.6) using the shorthand notation introduced earlier.

Strategy We found the electron configuration in Example Problem 6.6. Now we simply need to identify the core electrons and replace them with the symbol for the corresponding noble gas.

Data from example problem 6.6

The presence of sulfur in steel alloys can have a negative effect on ductility and other properties. So trace analysis is often used to monitor the level of sulfur present. What is the electron configuration of a sulfur atom?

Strategy We use the energy ordering and number of orbitals for each subshell to arrive at the overall electron configuration. Then, using Hund’s rule, we can predict the detailed electron configuration for an atom of sulfur.