Question

what type of bond do two oxygen atoms with the electron configuration $1s^2 2s^2 2p^4$ form to make a diatomic molecule?

• quadruple
• triple
• double
• single

Explanation:

Oxygen atoms have 6 valence electrons (from \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^4\), valence electrons are in \(2s\) and \(2p\)). To achieve an octet (8 valence electrons), each O atom needs 2 more electrons. When two O atoms bond, they share 2 pairs of electrons (a double bond) to each have 8 valence electrons (octet rule). A single bond shares 1 pair, triple 3, quadruple 4—oxygen forms a double bond (\(O=O\)).

Answer:

double (the option labeled "double")