Question

During the formation of oxygen $\left({\text{O}}_2\right)$ molecule:

• A. one oxygen atom loses electrons.
• B. one oxygen atom gains electrons.
• C. two oxygen atoms share electrons.
• D. ionized oxygen atoms are drowned in a sea of electrons.

Answer 1

The correct option is C two oxygen atoms share electrons.

Oxygen atom have six electrons in its outermost shell. To attain noble gas configuration, it needs two more electrons. So, two oxygen atoms share their electrons to complete octet configuration. Thus, the two oxygen atoms in an oxygen molecule $\left({\text{O}}_2\right)$ are bonded by a covalent bond.