What process would give a neutral oxygen atom a -2 charge?

1 Answer
Jan 4, 2017

#"Reduction?"#

Explanation:

Reduction is formally a gain of electrons, and certainly the process operates in the following reaction:

#O(g) +2e^(-) rarr O^(2-)#

Certainly this process can be measured. Thermodynamic parameters for reduction of the oxygen molecule could also be measured:

#1/2O_2(g) +2e^(-) rarr O^(2-)#.