Since an oxygen atom has 6 electrons in its outermost shell so, it needs 2 more electrons to achieve the stable

Question

Using electron-dot diagrams which show only the outermost shell electrons, show how a molecule of oxygen, O₂ , is formed from two oxygen atoms. What name is given to this type of bonding ? (At. No. of oxygen = 8)

Answer 1

Since an oxygen atom has 6 electrons in its outermost shell so, it needs 2 more electrons to achieve the stable 8-electron inert gas configuration. Hence, it combines with another oxygen atom and forms a molecule of oxygen.

This type of bonding is called a double covalent bond.