Here's why:
* Location on the Periodic Table: Sulfur is located below oxygen in the same group (Group 16, also known as the chalcogens).
* Electron Shells: As you move down a group, elements have an additional electron shell. This means sulfur has one more electron shell than oxygen, which increases the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons.
* Shielding: The additional electron shells in sulfur also provide more shielding from the nucleus, reducing the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outer electrons. This further contributes to a larger atomic radius.
Therefore, sulfur has a larger atomic radius than oxygen.