The elements oxygen and sulfur have similar chemical properties because they both have six electrons in their outermost electron shells. Indeed, both elements form molecules with two hydrogen atoms, water (H2O) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Surprisingly, at room temperature, water is a liquid, yet H2S is a gas, despite sulfur being much larger and heavier than oxygen. Explain why this might be the case.

Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (MindTap Course List)
5th Edition
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Chapter2: Molecules Of Life
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 3CT: Polonium is a rare element with 33 radioisotopes. The most common one, 210Po, has 82 protons and 128...
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The elements oxygen and sulfur have similar chemical properties because they both have six electrons in their outermost electron shells. Indeed, both elements form molecules with two hydrogen atoms, water (H2O) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Surprisingly, at room temperature, water is a liquid, yet H2S is a gas, despite sulfur being much larger and heavier than oxygen. Explain why this might be the case.

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