Q:
How Many Covalent Bonds Is Oxygen Capable of Forming?
A:
Quick Answer
An oxygen atom can form two covalent bonds. An atom's number of valence electrons dictates how many bonds the atom can form. Since an oxygen atom has six valence electrons and wants eight, it uses two of its six valance electrons for bonding. The remaining four exist as lone pairs.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Even though oxygen has six valence electrons, it is unable to form six covalent bonds. If oxygen formed six covalent bonds, then it would share a total of 12 electrons. Oxygen, like most other atoms, is most stable when it shares eight electrons only. Since oxygen needs two more electrons to reach the eight it needs, it only forms two bonds.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesRelated Questions
-
Q:
How Do Hydrogen Bonds Form?
A: Hydrogen bonds form because of the attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom of one molecule and the slightly negative atom of another molecule.... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Is a Coordinate Covalent Bond Different From Normal Covalent Bonds?
A: Coordinate covalent bonds, also known as coordinate links or semipolar bonds, are different from normal covalent bonds because both of the electrons that a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why Does Carbon Form so Many Compounds?
A: According to the University of Bristol School of Chemistry, carbon atoms form many different types of compounds because each atom can form strong bonds wit... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Makes up an Oxygen Molecule?
A: When two separate oxygen atoms combine with two chemical bonds, the result is one molecule of oxygen. A stable compound forms when two oxygen molecules sha... Full Answer >Filed Under:
