Which of the following is an example of a polyatomic molecule? | General Science MCQ | Examoogle

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Which of the following is an example of a polyatomic molecule?

Sulfur ( $S_8$ )

Helium (He)

Oxygen ( $O_2$ )

Nitrogen ( $N_2$ )

Correct Answer

🔬 SC • Science Concept & PrincipleGeneral ScienceChemistry

Option A

Sulfur ( $S_8$ )

Quick Summary:

A polyatomic molecule is defined as a molecule containing more than two atoms. Sulfur ( $S_8$ ) consists of eight sulfur atoms bonded together in a puckered ring structure, making it a classic example of a polyatomic molecule.

🔬SCScience SolutionConcept & Principle

💡 Explanation

💡 Everyday Analogy (Real-World Intuition)

Think of atoms as building blocks: monatomic is a single block, diatomic is a pair of blocks joined together, and polyatomic is like a complex 3D structure made of many blocks hooked together.

🔢 Key Formulas

$S_8$ — Sulfur molecule representing octatomic state

$O_2$ — Oxygen molecule representing diatomic state

$\text{Atomicity} = \frac{\text{Total atoms in a molecule}}{\text{One molecule}}$$

⚙️ Working Principle

The atomicity of an element refers to the number of atoms present in one molecule. Noble gases (like He) are monatomic because they are chemically inert. Diatomic molecules (like $O_2$ and $N_2$ ) consist of two atoms covalently bonded to achieve a stable octet configuration. In sulfur, the atoms achieve stability by forming eight covalent bonds in a ring configuration, resulting in an atomicity of 8.

📌 Key Points

▸
Monatomic: 1 atom (e.g., He, Ne, Ar)
▸
Diatomic: 2 atoms (e.g., $H_2$ , $O_2$ , $N_2$ )
▸
Triatomic: 3 atoms (e.g., $O_3$ - Ozone)
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Polyatomic: More than 3 atoms (e.g., $P_4$ , $S_8$ )

✅ Advantages

▸
Explains why elements exhibit different physical properties based on their molecular arrangement.

🛠️ Applications / Uses

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Understanding the allotropic forms of elements like Sulfur and Phosphorus.
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Predicting chemical reactivity based on bond strain in polyatomic rings.

📄 Additional Information

▸
Helium (He) is a noble gas and is monatomic.
▸
Oxygen ( $O_2$ ) and Nitrogen ( $N_2$ ) are diatomic molecules.
▸
Phosphorus ( $P_4$ ) is another common example of a polyatomic molecule.

📊 Diagram / Illustration

✅

A is correct — Sulfur ( $S_8$ ) contains eight atoms in its molecular structure, qualifying it as a polyatomic molecule.

Core Concepts Used

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Atomicity Molecular structure Chemical bonding

💡 EXAM TIP

Remember: All polyatomic molecules are molecules, but not all molecules are polyatomic (e.g., $O_2$ is a molecule but is diatomic).

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