Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element: "atomic number 16" is the scientific term for the element with 16 protons in its atomic nucleus. It is a nonmetal with the symbol S.

Usage

• The term "atomic number 16" is used primarily in scientific, technical, and educational contexts to precisely identify the element sulfur.
• It is the defining property of the element, distinguishing it from all other elements.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The periodic table lists sulfur as atomic number 16. (The periodic table lists sulfur as atomic number 16.)
  • All atoms of atomic number 16 have sixteen protons. (All atoms of atomic number 16 have sixteen protons.)

Advanced Usage

• In nuclear chemistry: The atomic number (16) determines the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties, regardless of the number of neutrons (different isotopes).
  • Whether it's sulfur-32 or sulfur-34, it is still atomic number 16. (Whether it's sulfur-32 or sulfur-34, it is still atomic number 16.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sulfur (Am. English) / Sulphur (Br. English) (n): The common name for the element with atomic number 16.
  • The smell of rotten eggs is often caused by hydrogen sulfide, a compound of sulfur. (The smell of rotten eggs is often caused by hydrogen sulfide, a compound of sulfur.)

Synonyms

• S (n): The chemical symbol for atomic number 16.
  • The formula for sulfuric acid is H₂SO₄, where S stands for sulfur. (The formula for sulfuric acid is H₂SO₄, where S stands for sulfur.)

Noun

1. an abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)