Question

question 5 (5 points)
covalent bonding occurs between two oxygen atoms to form o₂. whats the partial charge on each oxygen atom in o₂?
a) both oxygen atoms have positive partial charge.
b) both oxygen atoms have negative partial charge.
c) both oxygen atoms have zero partial charge.
d) one oxygen atom has positive partial charge, and the other has negative partial charge.

Explanation:

In a covalent bond between two identical atoms (like two oxygen atoms in \(O_2\)), the electrons are shared equally because the atoms have the same electronegativity. Partial charges arise from unequal electron sharing, but since the sharing is equal here, there is no partial charge on either oxygen atom.

Answer:

C. Both oxygen atoms have zero partial charge.