Sulfur is most likely to form an ion known as the sulfide ion, which is represented as S2-. This means that sulfur gains two electrons, resulting in a negative charge.
To understand why sulfur forms a sulfide ion, we can look at its position on the periodic table. Sulfur is found in group 16, where elements typically have six electrons in their outermost shell. In order to achieve a stable electron configuration, sulfur tends to gain two electrons, which allows it to fill its outer shell to the maximum of eight electrons.
Since the sulfide ion has more electrons than protons, it carries a negative charge, categorizing it as an anion. Cations, on the other hand, are positively charged ions formed when an atom loses electrons.
In summary, sulfur most commonly forms the sulfide anion (S2-) due to its tendency to gain two electrons, achieving greater stability in the process.