# What is the charge of an oxygen ion?

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Nam D. Share
Feb 10, 2018

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 ${O}^{2 -}$.

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Feb 9, 2018

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.

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