S and O both are non-metals in the oxygen family, but their melting points are largely different $\m

Question

S and O both are non-metals in the oxygen family, but their melting points are largely different $\mathrm{O}=90 \mathrm{~K}$ and $\mathrm{S}=718 \mathrm{~K}$ this is because

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

Oxygen exists as diatomic $\mathrm{O}_2$ (weak van der Waals), while Sulfur forms polyatomic $\mathrm{S}_8$ rings with higher molecular mass.