Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Both rhombic and monoclinic sulphur exist as S$_8$ while oxygen exists as O$_2$.
{Reason (R): Oxygen forms $p\pi$-$p\pi$ multiple bonds with itself and other elements having small size and high electronegativity like C, N, which is not possible for sulphur.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

(A) is correct but (R) is not correct.

Answer 2

• Assertion (A) is correct because sulphur exists as $S_8$ due to its ability to form crown-shaped structures. Oxygen exists as $O_2$ due to its smaller size and ability to form $p\pi$-$p\pi$ bonds.
  • Reason (R) is incorrect because sulphur’s inability to form $p\pi$-$p\pi$ bonds is due to its larger size, which prevents effective overlap of orbitals.
  • Thus, (A) is correct, but (R) is not the correct reason for (A).