When two oxygen atoms combine to form a molecule, what type of chemical bond is formed between them?

• A. A double covalent bond
• B. A hydrogen bond
• C. A single covalent bond
• D. An ionic bond

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atoms involved: two oxygen atoms (O and O). Since both atoms are the same element, they have identical electronegativities.
2. Recall that when two atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell, they form a covalent bond. Because both atoms are nonmetals, ionic bonding is unlikely.
3. Determine the number of electrons each oxygen atom needs to complete its octet. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons and needs 2 more to reach 8.
4. Since each oxygen atom needs 2 electrons, they share two pairs of electrons, resulting in a double covalent bond between the two oxygen atoms.
5. Conclude that the bond formed between two oxygen atoms in an O₂ molecule is a double covalent bond, not a single covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bond.