The valency of oxygen can vary depending on the context and the type of compounds it forms. Oxygen most commonly exhibits a valency of 2 and a valency of -2.
Table of Contents
Valency of oxygen, two types
Valency of +2:
Oxygen tends to form compounds where it shares two electrons with other atoms to complete its valence shell and achieve a stable octet configuration. For example, in compounds like water (H₂O) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), oxygen’s valency is considered to be 2.
Valency of -2:
In some compounds, oxygen can gain two electrons to achieve a full octet and a stable configuration. This results in an oxidation state or charge of -2 for oxygen. Compounds like oxides (e.g., MgO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) illustrate oxygen’s valency of -2.
It’s important to note that the concept of valency can sometimes be simplified for introductory chemistry and may not always fully capture the intricacies of chemical bonding in more complex molecules. The valency of oxygen is context-dependent and can vary based on the specific chemical compounds involved.
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