When a sulfur atom loses electrons, it forms a sulfur ion, typically in the form of S2-. This process occurs because sulfur, which has an atomic number of 16, has six electrons in its outermost shell. To achieve a stable electronic configuration similar to that of noble gases, sulfur tends to gain two electrons rather than lose them.
However, if we consider the scenario where a sulfur atom could lose electrons, it would involve the atom relinquishing its electrons, which are negatively charged. By giving away electrons, the sulfur atom would possess more protons than electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion, known as a cation.
Generally, in chemical reactions, sulfur prefers to combine with other elements to gain electrons. This is because losing electrons is less favorable, energetically speaking, for sulfur. Thus, while the question is technically feasible where sulfur can lose electrons, chemically it is much more stable and common for sulfur to gain electrons and form an anion.