Oxygen exists as a gas, while sulphur exists as a solid Why ?

Explanation

Oxygen , due to its small size is capable of forming `pi` bond and hence exist as `O=O` i.e. `O_(2)` molecule. `O_(2)` molecules are hend together by weak van der Waals forces of attaction, hence oxygen exists as a gas. On the other hand, sulphur due to its large size, is not capable of forming `pi-bonds`, rather each S-atom is `sp^(3)` hybridised and sulphur exists as `S_(8)` molecules. Due to high molecular mass of `S_(8)`, van der Waals forces of attaction between `S_(8)` molecules is large and sulphur exists as a solid.