Which one among the following elements is polyatomic ?

Phosphorus

Sulphur

Chlorine

Aluminium

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2024

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The correct answer is B) Sulphur.

An element is considered polyatomic if its stable molecular form consists of more than two atoms of that element bonded together. Sulphur exists in various allotropes, the most common and stable form being the S₈ molecule, which has a ring structure containing eight sulphur atoms. This makes sulphur a polyatomic element.

Chlorine exists as diatomic molecules (Cl₂). Aluminium is a metal and exists as individual atoms in its elemental state (monatomic in solid form). Phosphorus exists in various allotropes, such as white phosphorus (P₄, tetratomic) and red phosphorus (polymeric). While Phosphorus (P₄) is also polyatomic, Sulphur (S₈) is a common example used to illustrate polyatomic elements in chemistry, and it is explicitly polyatomic in its stable form. Given the options and the need for a single correct answer, S₈ is a clear example of a polyatomic molecule.

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