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 & MoleculesSources:
Related 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 many bonds does nitrogen form?
A: A nitrogen atom forms three covalent bonds. The number of valence electrons an atom possesses determines how many covalent bonds it can form. Since nitroge... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are characteristics of a polar molecule?
A: A polar molecule is characterized by the uneven distribution of the electrons that form the covalent bonds between each atom in the molecule, resulting in ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which of the following covalent bonds is the most polar?
A: The covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen in a molecule of water are the most polar. Water is a covalent molecule, meaning the two atoms of hydrogen a... Full Answer >Filed Under:
