Q28 E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Explain why the symbol for element sulfur and the formula for a molecule of sulfur differ.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

_{The symbol for an element sulfur and the formula for a molecule of sulfur differ because sulfur molecules have 8 sulfur atoms. Therefore, it has different symbols. Although many elements consist of discrete, individual atoms, some exist as molecules made up of two or more atoms of the elements chemically bonded together.}

Step 1 - Determine the definition of molecular formula

A molecular formula is a representation of a molecule that uses chemical symbols to indicate the type of atoms. It is also used as abbreviations for the names of compounds.

Step 2 - Describe how symbol for S atom and S molecules are different.

The sulfur molecule formula is S₈. The subscript 8 denotes the number of atoms bounded to form a molecule.