How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?

• A. 4
• B. 2
• C. 6
• D. 8

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is oxygen (O).
2. Recall that the number of valence electrons corresponds to the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of oxygen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^4$.
4. Focus on the electrons in the second shell (the outermost shell for oxygen), which includes the \$2s$ and \$2p$ orbitals.
5. Add the electrons in the \$2s$ and \$2p$ orbitals: \(2 + 4 = 6\) valence electrons.