Sulfur typically gains two electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration.

Here's why:

* Sulfur's Electronic Configuration: Sulfur has 16 electrons, with the electronic configuration of [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴.

* Octet Rule: Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable outer shell of 8 electrons (octet rule).

* Sulfur's Goal: Sulfur needs two more electrons to fill its 3p subshell and achieve a stable octet configuration like the noble gas Argon.

Therefore, sulfur gains two electrons to form a sulfide ion (S²⁻).