Why is oxygen represented as [O] in oxidation reaction in chemical properties of alkenes in hydrocarbons?

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Solution

Oxygen is written as O2 when there are two oxygen atoms in the molecule. Pure oxygen doesn't generally exist as individual atoms, two oxygen atoms bond together to form an oxygen molecule. This is because oxygen is highly reactive, disconnected atoms have a very strong tendency to form bonds. If there's nothing else available, they'll bond to each other.

By convention, chemical equations are written to show the whole molecules involved. Since there are two oxygen atoms in each oxygen molecule, it's written with a 2.

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Similar questions

Q. In chemical equations if Oxygen or Chlorine is one of the reactants they are represented as '

O_{2}

' and '

{C l}_{2}

' but not as '

O

' or '

C l

'. Why?

4 F e + 3 O_{2} \to 2 {F e}_{2} O_{3}

I

. In the reaction shown above, oxygen is an oxidizing agent.

I I

. Oxidizing agents become oxidized during chemical reactions.

Consider the following equation of the chemical reaction of a metal M :

$4 M + 3 O_{2}$ $⟶$ $2 M_{2} O_{3}$

This equation represents :

(a) combination reaction as well as reduction reaction

(b) decomposition reaction as well as oxidation reaction

(d) combination reaction as well as oxidation reaction

Q. Assertion :Unsaturated hydrocarbons contain multiple bonds between the two

C -

atoms and show addition reactions. Reason: They also undergo many other chemical reactions that alkanes do not - the double bond in alkenes makes them more reactive than alkanes

(a) An organic compound X of molecular formula $C_{2} H_{4} O_{2}$ gives brisk effervescence with sodium hydrogen carbonate. give the name and formula of X.
(b) A mixture of ethyne (acetylene) and oxygen is burnt for welding. Can you tell why a mixture of ethyne and air is not used?
(c) Name a chemical reaction which is characteristic of unsaturated hydrocarbons (like alkenes and alkynes).

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