Question

What ion is oxygen likely to form?

Answer 1

Oxygen typically forms the oxide ion (O2-) when it gains two electrons, and can also be part of various oxyanions like sulfate, nitrate, and perchlorate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ion that oxygen is likely to form is the oxide ion, with a formula of O2-. This ion forms when oxygen gains two electrons, completing its outer shell and reaching a more stable electronic configuration. Oxygen can also be a part of various polyatomic ions like peroxide (O22-), superoxide (O2-), and in combination with other elements, it forms oxyanions such as sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), and perchlorate (ClO4-). In each oxyanion, the net negative charge is delocalized over the oxygen atoms involved.

Answer 2

It's most natural state has a charge of -2. So, a negative ion with two more electrons than is normal.