Question

Explain oxygen molecule has formula o2 but sulphur is s8

Answer 1

Therefore due to more number of atoms associated per molecule, sulphur exists as a solid whereas oxygen exists as a gas. Thanks. ... Sulphur has a vacant D orbital so it can form Bond with other element are itself as compared to oxygen. Also O2 molecule exist where as sulphur is exist as S8 solid.

Answer 2

Explanation: Oxygen occurs as O2 molecule due to pπ-pπ bonding because of which the inter-molecular forces in it are weak van der Waals forces as it is small in size with high electron density which tend to repel the other O2 molecules. As a result it exists as gas.

 Sulphur does not form strong S=S double bonds its large space and vacant d orbital, it forms pσ−pσ bond.

Hence exists as S8 held together by strong  bonds and exists as a polyatomic molecule, in which intermolecular forces are strong so, it exists as a solid.