p Block ElementshardNUMERICAL

How many unpaired electrons are present in a single molecule of diatomic sulphur () in its vapor stap Block Elements Chemistry Question

Question

How many unpaired electrons are present in a single molecule of diatomic sulphur ($S_2$) in its vapor state at approximately 1000 K?

Answer: 2

💡 Solution & Explanation

At high temperatures (~1000 K), sulphur vapor exists mainly as $S_2$ molecules. Similar to the $O_2$ molecule, $S_2$ possesses two unpaired electrons in its degenerate antibonding $\pi^*$ molecular orbitals, making it paramagnetic.

💬
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes
Ask on WhatsApp →

Practice 22,000+ questions like this

AI-adaptive practice, video lectures, and full JEE Advanced Chemistry content — all in one place.

JEE Advanced · JEE Mains · NEET · IChO · AP Chemistry