Question

How many valence electrons of each oxygen are involved in the formation of a molecule of oxygen?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

2

Two valence electrons of each oxygen are involved in the formation of a molecule of oxygen. The atomic number of $O$ is $8$. It has $6$ valence electrons. It needs 2 more electrons to complete octet. Thus 2 $O$ atoms share 2 electrons each to form oxygen molecule with $O=O$ double bond.