Question

The octet rule predicts that oxygen will tend to make ____ bond(s).

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer 1

The octet rule predicts that an oxygen atom will make two covalent bonds to complete its octet, as seen in oxygen gas (O₂) with a double bond and water (H₂O) with two single bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The octet rule predicts that oxygen will tend to make two bonds. Oxygen, with six valence electrons, needs two additional electrons to complete its octet. By forming two covalent bonds, oxygen can achieve a stable electronic configuration. A classic example is the oxygen molecule (O₂), where two oxygen atoms form a double covalent bond (O=O), sharing two pairs of electrons. In the case of water (H₂O), each oxygen atom forms two single bonds with hydrogen atoms. Similarly, in carbon dioxide (CO₂), each oxygen atom forms a double bond with the carbon atom, contributing to carbon's octet while completing its own.