Multiple Choice
In a water molecule (H_2O), what kind of partial charge does the oxygen atom have compared to the hydrogen atoms?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Chemical Bonds
Multiple Choice
In an O_2 molecule, what is the number of electrons shared between the two oxygen atoms?
A
4
B
6
C
2
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an O_2 molecule consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together. Each oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons.
Determine the type of bond between the two oxygen atoms. Oxygen atoms typically form a double bond in O_2, meaning they share two pairs of electrons.
Each pair of shared electrons corresponds to 2 electrons. Since there are two pairs in a double bond, multiply 2 pairs by 2 electrons per pair.
Calculate the total number of shared electrons: \(2 \times 2 = 4\) electrons are shared between the two oxygen atoms.
Confirm that the shared electrons correspond to the bonding electrons holding the two oxygen atoms together in the O_2 molecule.
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