What is the number of electrons shared between the two atoms in an O2 molecule?

June 2023 NY Regents Chemistry Exam

10 What is the number of electrons shared between the two atoms in an O2 molecule?
(1) 6

(2) 2
(3) 3

(4) 4

Solution: Oxygen can be found on the Periodic Table. Its electron configuration is 2-6 which means it has 6 valence electrons. Each element (other than H and He) wants 8 valence elections. It needs 2 more electrons to have 8. Therefore, when an oxygen atom will bond to another oxygen atom, it will form a double bond. Each bond has 2 electrons. Double bond has 2*2= 4 electrons

Answer: 4

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