How many electrons does oxygen require to reach an octet in its valence shell?

• A. 8
• B. 4
• C. 2
• D. 6

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the octet rule states atoms tend to have 8 electrons in their valence shell to achieve stability, similar to noble gases.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons oxygen naturally has. 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 electrons in its valence shell by subtracting its current valence electrons from 8: \$8 - 6$.
4. Interpret the result as the number of electrons oxygen requires to complete its octet.
5. Understand that this number corresponds to the typical number of electrons oxygen gains or shares when forming chemical bonds to satisfy the octet rule.