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Multiple Choice
How many electrons does an Oxygen atom need to fulfill the octet rule by filling its valence shell?
A
8.
B
4.
C
1.
D
2.
E
6.
4 Comments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the octet rule: Atoms are most stable when they have eight electrons in their valence shell, resembling the electron configuration of a noble gas.
Identify the number of valence electrons in an oxygen atom: Oxygen is in group 16 of the periodic table, which means it has 6 valence electrons.
Calculate the number of electrons needed to fulfill the octet rule: Since oxygen has 6 valence electrons, it needs 2 more electrons to reach a total of 8.
Consider the options provided: The correct answer is the number of electrons needed to reach 8 in the valence shell.
Conclude that the oxygen atom needs 2 additional electrons to fulfill the octet rule, making the correct answer 2.