Question
What type of bonds hold together the atoms in an oxygen molecule?
Answer
4.2
(173 Votes)
Charles
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Double covalent bonds
Explanation
An oxygen molecule, O2, consists of two oxygen atoms. The bonding between these two atoms in a molecule follows the octet rule - that these atoms will share electrons so as to completely fill their outer shells. In case of oxygen, as it has 6 electrons in its outer shell, it needs two more to complete this octet. Therefore, each oxygen atom shares two electrons with the other, resulting in a double covalent bond.