Which of the following represents the number of valence electrons in the outermost energy level of an oxygen atom?

• A. 2
• B. 8
• C. 4
• D. 6

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level (shell) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
2. Determine the electron configuration of an oxygen atom. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, meaning it has 8 electrons.
3. Write the electron configuration for oxygen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^4$.
4. Identify the outermost energy level, which is the second shell (n=2) in this case, containing the \$2s^2\( and \)2p^4$ electrons.
5. Add the electrons in the outermost shell: \$2\( (from \)2s\() + \)4\( (from \)2p\() = \)6$ valence electrons.