According to the octet rule, how many additional electrons does each oxygen atom need to achieve a stable electron configuration?

• A. 2
• B. 8
• C. 4
• D. 6

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the octet rule states atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have 8 electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons in a neutral oxygen atom. Oxygen is in group 16 of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons.
3. Calculate how many more electrons oxygen needs to reach 8 valence electrons by subtracting the current valence electrons from 8: \$8 - 6$.
4. Interpret the result as the number of additional electrons oxygen needs to gain or share to complete its octet.
5. Conclude that each oxygen atom needs 2 additional electrons to satisfy the octet rule and achieve a stable electron configuration.