Explain why the symbol for an atom of the element oxygen and the formula for a molecule of oxygen differ.

Question

Emanuel Cain

Chemistry

24 August, 10:26

Explain why the symbol for an atom of the element oxygen and the formula for a molecule of oxygen differ.

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Answers (1)

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Orlando Hoffman · Answer 1

See below.

Explanation:

In the scientific setting, a few elements exist in monoatomic state, meaning their atoms could persist as single isolated atoms. The symbol for oxygen's atom is O which actually is the symbol for monoatomic oxygen.

In order to gain a stable electronic configuration, two oxygen atoms share electrons with each other to form covalent bonds. Hence, we get a entity which consists of 2 oxygen atoms with a covalent bond which is O2, molecule of oxygen.