[samiam]

so diatomic element are oxygen gas O2, fluorine gas F2, nitrogen gas, chlorine gas cl2,Br2 (l), iodine gas I2(g) so these are the elements in their neutral state.

So is sulphur S8 (s) and carbon is p4(s) in its neutral state. so when writing equation that said solid suplhur +...
it would be S8+...

right?

[Jorriss]

Phosphorous is P4, not carbon.

But yes, if someone says 'Oxygen reacts with x,' it's standard to write O2+ x -> ...


For sulfur and phosphorous, I've seen both conventions where sometimes S is used, sometimes S8, I tend towards S8 myself.