Q18 of 74 Page 207

Why is dioxygen a gas but sulphur a solid?

Oxygen is smaller in size as compared to sulphur. Due to its smaller size, it can effectively form pπ –pπ bonds and form O2[ O = = O] molecule. Also, the intermolecular forces in oxygen are weak van der Wall’s, which cause it to exist as a gas.

On the other hand, sulphur does not form M2 molecule but exists as a puckered structure held together by strong covalent bonds. Hence, it is a solid.


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