Multiple Choice
Under which of the following conditions will an atom be the most stable?
1
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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How many electrons does an oxygen atom need to gain in order to achieve a stable, noble gas electron configuration?
A
1
B
2
C
8
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of oxygen, which is 8. This means an oxygen atom has 8 protons and, in its neutral state, 8 electrons.
Recall that a stable, noble gas electron configuration means having a full outer electron shell, typically an octet (8 electrons) in the valence shell for main group elements like oxygen.
Determine the electron configuration of oxygen: 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^4. The valence shell (second shell) has 6 electrons (2 in 2s and 4 in 2p).
Calculate how many electrons oxygen needs to gain to complete its octet: since it has 6 valence electrons, it needs 8 - 6 = 2 more electrons.
Conclude that oxygen must gain 2 electrons to achieve the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, neon.
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