Is oxygen a metal or a nonmetal? How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?
Will sulfur and oxygen atoms most likely form an ionic bond or a covalent bond?
Answer (1)
Oxygen is a nonmetal.
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons.
The electronegativity difference between sulfur and oxygen is 0.86.
Sulfur and oxygen will most likely form a covalent bond.
Explanation
Introduction Let's break down these chemistry questions step by step!
Oxygen as a Nonmetal Oxygen is a nonmetal . Metals are typically shiny, good conductors of electricity and heat, and are malleable and ductile. Nonmetals generally have the opposite properties. Oxygen is a gas at room temperature and does not conduct electricity, so it is a nonmetal.
Valence Electrons of Oxygen An oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons . Oxygen is in Group 16 (also known as Group 6A) of the periodic table. Elements in Group 16 have 6 valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are responsible for chemical bonding.
Electronegativity Considerations To determine whether sulfur and oxygen will form an ionic or covalent bond, we need to consider their electronegativity difference. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. The electronegativity of oxygen is approximately 3.44, and the electronegativity of sulfur is approximately 2.58.
Covalent Bond Formation The electronegativity difference between sulfur and oxygen is: ∣3.44 − 2.58∣ = 0.86 . Generally, if the electronegativity difference is less than 1.7, the bond is considered covalent. Since 0.86 is less than 1.7, sulfur and oxygen will most likely form a covalent bond . In covalent bonds, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Final Answer In summary, oxygen is a nonmetal with 6 valence electrons. Sulfur and oxygen will most likely form a covalent bond due to the relatively small electronegativity difference between them.
Examples
Understanding the nature of chemical bonds is crucial in many real-world applications. For instance, the formation of water (H₂O) involves covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Similarly, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) forms through covalent bonding between sulfur and oxygen, which is relevant in environmental science as SO₂ is a pollutant. Knowing whether elements form ionic or covalent bonds helps predict the properties of the resulting compounds, which is essential in designing new materials and understanding chemical reactions.
