All the elements in Group VIA (Group 16) of the periodic table are __________ in nature.

Group 16 elements, known as chalcogens, include oxygen (O), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po). These elements show a wide range of chemical behaviors but share a key characteristic — their ability to form polymeric structures through covalent bonding.

The term polymeric refers to substances whose molecules are composed of repeating structural units bonded together, forming long chains or ring systems. In the case of Group 16 elements, this property is especially noticeable in sulfur, selenium, and tellurium.

For example, sulfur exists in various allotropic forms, the most common being rhombic sulfur (S₈), where eight sulfur atoms are linked together in a puckered ring structure. Similarly, selenium and tellurium also form long-chain or helical polymeric molecules due to their ability to form stable covalent bonds with themselves (a property known as catenation).

These polymeric structures give the elements distinctive physical properties such as elasticity, high melting points, and characteristic crystalline forms. Oxygen, however, behaves slightly differently — it generally forms simple diatomic molecules (O₂) and ozone (O₃). Although oxygen does not form long polymeric chains under normal conditions, the other elements in the group display pronounced polymeric behavior, especially in the solid state.

Polonium, being more metallic, shows less polymeric character but still belongs to the same group. The trend of polymer formation decreases down the group as metallic character increases.

Thus, the general nature of Group 16 elements is polymeric, as most of them can form extended covalent networks or ring structures. This property plays a vital role in their chemical and physical behavior, influencing reactivity, allotropy, and compound formation.