Oxygen, labeled as O, is one of the special elements of the periodic table. In its stable form, it occurs naturally as O2. Oxygen is the second most abundant element and gas in the atmosphere.
This diatomic element can exist as O, O2, and O3. It’s only natural that you wonder what the actual charge of oxygen would be. If you want to learn about this, read this article.
Properties of oxygen
- Oxygen is the 8th element on the periodic table and located in group 16 (VIA)
- It is a nonmetal that is available in the atmosphere as gas (about 21%)
- Oxygen has an atomic number of 8 and an atomic weight of 15.99903
- It has an electronic configuration of 1s22s22p4
- Oxygen has a melting point of −361.1 °F (−218.4°C) and a boiling point of −297.4 °F (−183.0°C)
- It is a readily reactive nonmetal that easily forms oxides with several other elements
What is the charge of oxygen?
By itself and in most compounds, oxygen has a charge of -2. But, sometimes, and in some compounds, it could have a charge of -1 or +2.
What is the charge of oxygen in carbon dioxide?
In carbon dioxide (CO), C has a valency of 4, and the charge of O is -2.
What is the charge of oxygen in nitric oxide?
The charge of nitrogen in nitric oxide (NO) is +2, and the overall charge of the compound is 0. Therefore, the charge of O is -2.
What is the charge of oxygen in sulfur dioxide?
Sulfur has a valency of +2. SO2 is a neutral compound, so, it has an overall charge of 0. The charge of O in this compound is -1.
What is the charge of oxygen in tetraoxosulphate (VI)?
Tetraoxosulphate (VI) contains sulfur, hydrogen, and oxygen. In this compound, the charge or oxidation state of O is -2.
What is the charge of oxygen in manganese dioxide?
In manganese oxide (MnO2), O has a charge of -2.
What is the charge of oxygen in magnesium oxide?
Magnesium oxide (MgO) has an overall charge of 0. In this compound, Mg has a charge of +2 while O has a charge of -2.
FAQs
Is the charge of an element the same as the valency?
Yes, it is. Generally, the charge is the same as valency. The charge of any element is the difference between the number of electrons and protons. Valency, on the other hand, refers to the number of electrons in the outermost shell of the element.
Is oxygen a cation or an anion?
Oxygen is an anion. It is a nonmetal and must gain two electrons to complete its octet structure.
What is the charge of O in Ar2O3?
The charge of O in Ar2O3 is -2.
Conclusion
Oxygen naturally has a -2 charge because it has two unpaired electrons in its outermost shell. It must gain two more electrons to attain the octet structure of the nearest inert gas.
The valency of oxygen is the same as its charge. This valency is one of the reasons why oxygen readily bonds with other elements to form various compounds.
Thanks for reading.
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