According to the octet rule, what is oxygen most likely to do in order to complete its outermost electron shell?

• A. Lose 2 electrons
• B. Gain 4 electrons
• C. Gain 2 electrons
• D. Share 4 electrons

Answer: (C)

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 outermost shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons oxygen has. Oxygen is in group 16 of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons.
3. Calculate how many electrons oxygen needs to reach a full octet (8 electrons). Since oxygen has 6 valence electrons, it needs 2 more electrons to complete its outer shell.
4. Consider the options: losing 2 electrons would leave oxygen with only 4 valence electrons, which is less stable; gaining 4 electrons is more than needed; sharing 4 electrons means forming two bonds, which is possible but the question focuses on completing the octet by electron count.
5. Conclude that oxygen is most likely to gain 2 electrons to complete its octet, as this satisfies the octet rule by filling its outermost shell to 8 electrons.