Question

The common oxidation state of oxygen is $-2$. This can be explained as:

• A. $2$ electrons are in the first shell
• B. $4$ electrons are in the outermost shell
• C. $6$ electrons are in the outermost shell
• D. $8$ electrons are present in the atom

Answer 1

The correct option is C $6$ electrons are in the outermost shell

Electronic configuration of $O$ is $2,6$. It requires $2$ electrons to gain inert gas configuration, so its common oxidation state of is $-2$