QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Is oxygen a metal or a nonmetal? How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?
6 months agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1: Identify whether oxygen is a metal or a nonmetal.
Oxygen is a member of Group 16 (VI A) in the periodic table, which contains the chalcogens. This group includes oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium. Oxygen is located in period 2 of the periodic table, and it is not found among the transition metals or inner transition metals. Therefore, oxygen is a nonmetal.
Step 2: Determine the number of valence electrons in an oxygen atom.
Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom and are involved in chemical bonding. In a neutral atom, the number of valence electrons is equal to the atom's group number in the periodic table. Since oxygen is in Group 16 (VI A), it has six valence electrons. These six electrons occupy the 2s and 2p orbitals in the second energy level of the oxygen atom.
Final Answer
Oxygen is a nonmetal, and it has six valence electrons.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students