Final answer:
The symbol for sulfur (S) represents an individual atom, whereas the formula for a molecule of sulfur (S₈) indicates eight sulfur atoms bonded together, reflecting the physical reality of the molecule's structure. The distinction is significant both historically and to differentiate between single atoms and molecular forms, making (d) Both b and c the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symbol for an element, such as sulfur, is used to represent a single atom of that element. In the case of sulfur, the symbol is S. However, the formula for a molecule of sulfur is different because sulfur typically exists as an octatomic molecule, meaning eight sulfur atoms bonded together.
This molecule is represented by the formula S₈. The reason the symbol for an element and the formula for a molecule of that element differ can be attributed to multiple reasons. In this case, the reasons include both historical conventions in chemistry and a practical need to distinguish between individual atoms and molecules, which often exist as distinct entities with different properties.
To more specifically address the options given: Chemical convention is part of the reason but it is not simply convention that dictates different symbols and formulas. The choice of symbol and formula reflects an underlying physical reality.
While historical reasons might influence the specific symbols used, they don't generally affect the distinction between symbols for atoms and formulas for molecules. The most accurate option would be To distinguish between atoms and molecules, as that is the primary functional need for different representations. Therefore, the correct answer is option d) Both b and c.