Which nonmetal is octatomic?

Options

A. Helium
B. Iodine
C. Phosphorus
D. Sulphur

Explanation

To determine which nonmetal is octatomic, we need to understand what "octatomic" means. An octatomic molecule consists of eight atoms bonded together.

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Octatomic**:
- The term "octatomic" refers to a molecule that is made up of eight atoms. The prefix "octa-" means eight.

2. **Identifying Nonmetals**:
- We need to consider the nonmetals and their common molecular forms. Some common nonmetals include helium, iodine, phosphorus, and sulfur.

3. **Analyzing Each Nonmetal**:
- **Helium (He)**: This is a noble gas and exists as single atoms (monatomic), so it cannot be octatomic.
- **Iodine (I)**: Iodine typically exists as I2 (diatomic) or I3 (triatomic) molecules, not octatomic.
- **Phosphorus (P)**: Phosphorus commonly exists as P4 (tetraatomic) molecules, which means it is not octatomic.
- **Sulfur (S)**: Sulfur exists as S8 molecules, which means it is octatomic.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the nonmetals listed, sulfur is the only one that forms octatomic molecules (S8). Therefore, the answer is sulfur.

**Final Answer**: Sulfur (S)

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