Lithium has 1 valence electrons. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. These chemicals will likely combine in a ratio of ____ Li atoms to ____sulfur atoms.
To determine the ratio of lithium to sulfur atoms in a compound, we need to consider their valence electrons.
Lithium (Li) has 1 valence electron.
Sulfur (S) has 6 valence electrons.
To obtain a stable compound, lithium will lose one electron (1+) and sulfur will gain two electrons (2-) to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Since the charges must balance, we need two lithium atoms (2 x 1+ = 2+) to combine with one sulfur atom (1 x 2- = 2-) to form a stable compound.
Therefore, the ratio of lithium atoms to sulfur atoms in the compound is 2:1.