Question

The valency, that is the combining capacity of oxygen is :

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2

Valency of atom is defined as its capacity to donate, gain or share electron to attain stability.

Oxygen atom electronic configuration is $-1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^4$.

Oxygen gains two electrons to fulfill its valence shell. Hence, its valency is two.

Therefore, the correct option is B.