Question

Question #d1d01

Answer 1

It can be either `-1` or `-2`

Explanation:

Because Oxygen, as a neutral atom, has 6 electrons in the valence shell, it can gain up to 2 electrons before it's valence shell is full.

It will not, however, loose any electrons because it has more than 4 in the valence shell. This means the charge will always be negative, but can be different numbers.

Answer 2

Usually `-2`

Explanation:

Oxygen is element number `8` on the periodic table, and a neutral oxygen atom therefore has `8` electrons. To complete its octet, oxygen will want to gain `2` more electrons to have an electron configuration of `2,8`.

So, an oxygen ion will usually exist as `O^(2-)`.