How many valence electrons does an oxygen (O) atom have?

• A. 6
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 2

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is oxygen (O).
2. Determine the atomic number of oxygen, which is 8, meaning it has 8 electrons in total.
3. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
4. Write the electron configuration of oxygen: \(1s^2\, 2s^2\, 2p^4\).
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell (the second shell), which includes the \$2s^2\( and \)2p^4$ electrons, totaling 6 valence electrons.