question_answer

              Oxygen molecule has the formula \[{{O}_{2}}\] while sulphur is \[{{S}_{8}}\]why?

Answer:

                     In the molecule of oxygen, the two oxygen atoms are linked to each other by double bond \[(O=O)\] i.e., one sigma bond formed by axial overlap and one pi-bond formed as a result of sidewise overlap. Therefore, oxygen exists as a diatomic molecule. Multiple bonding is not possible in sulphur due to its large atomic size. The sidewise overlap is not effective. Each sulphur atom is linked to two sulphur atoms on either sides resulting in \[{{S}_{8}}\] molecule with puckered ring structure.