Which of the following best describes two atoms of oxygen that are chemically bonded to each other?

• A. They form a molecule with a double covalent bond.
• B. They form a molecule with a single ionic bond.
• C. They form a molecule with a triple covalent bond.
• D. They form a molecule with a hydrogen bond.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when two oxygen atoms bond chemically, they share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
2. Recall that oxygen atoms have six valence electrons and need two more electrons to complete their octet.
3. Recognize that sharing two pairs of electrons between the two oxygen atoms forms a double covalent bond, which satisfies the octet rule for both atoms.
4. Eliminate other options: a single ionic bond is unlikely between two identical nonmetal atoms; a triple covalent bond involves sharing three pairs of electrons, which is not typical for oxygen; and a hydrogen bond involves hydrogen atoms, which are not present here.
5. Conclude that the best description is that two oxygen atoms form a molecule with a double covalent bond.