Q. The large difference between the melting and boiling points of oxygen and sulphur may be explained on the basis of
A) Atomicity
B) Electron gain enthalpy
C) Electronegativity
D) Atomic size
Explanation
[Solution by Dr. Abubacker] Oxygen exists as small discrete $\text{O}_2$ molecules with weak van der Waals forces, while sulphur exists as large puckered $\text{S}_8$ rings with much stronger intermolecular forces. The difference in atomicity (2 vs 8) explains the large difference in melting and boiling points. Answer (1).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.