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Question

Why is oxygen written as O2?


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Solution

Molecules

  • Molecules are a group of atoms bound together, constituting the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that may take part in a chemical process.
  • On the basis of atomicity, molecules can be categorized.
  • Monatomic atoms include He,Ne,Ar,andKr (all noble gases are monatomic).
  • Diatomic - made up of two atoms, such as H2,N2,O2,F2,andCl2.
  • Triatomic - made up of three atoms, such as O3.

Oxygen write as O2

  • The electronic configuration of O2is 1s22s22p4.
  • It accepts two electrons to achieve 8 electrons in its outermost shell to complete the octet as shown in the diagram given below:-
  • So, the valency of oxygen is 2.
  • The type of bond present between oxygen molecules is a covalent bond.
  • So, Oxygen is considered a diatomic molecule.
  • Each molecule consists of two oxygen atoms linked together.
  • Hence, its molecular formula is O2.​

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