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11 grade chemistry others

What is the charge of O₂?

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11 Months agoGrade
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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer11 Months ago

The charge of an O₂ molecule is neutral. This means it has no overall electrical charge. O₂ consists of two oxygen atoms that share electrons equally, forming a stable molecule.

Understanding Molecular Charge

In chemistry, the charge of a molecule depends on the balance of protons and electrons. For O₂:

  • Oxygen Atoms: Each oxygen atom has 8 protons and 8 electrons.
  • Molecular Formation: When two oxygen atoms bond, they share their electrons.
  • Result: This sharing leads to a neutral charge overall.

Importance of O₂

Oxygen is essential for life on Earth, as it is used in respiration by many organisms. Its neutral charge allows it to interact easily with other molecules, facilitating various biological processes.