Question

Why does oxygen accept a pair of electrons instead of donating one electron so as to become half filled (1s^2,2s^2,2p^3) ? Isn't it easier to give one that to take two?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

An atom donates and accepts electrons to attain a stable electronic configuration oxygen is a non metal and also highly electronegative. Non metals accept electrons pairs rather than donating it and so does electronegative atoms. Therefore, it is easier to gain electrons and attain full filled configuration rather than losing electrons.