When an oxygen atom forms an ion, it gains two electrons. What is the electrical charge of the oxygen ion?
A.
+2
B.
-1
C.
-2
D.
+1
-2 e
To determine the electrical charge of an oxygen ion, you need to understand the concept of electron gain or loss during the formation of an ion. In this case, the question states that an oxygen atom gains two electrons.
An electron has a negative charge of -1. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged. Since the oxygen atom gains two electrons, the total charge is -2.
Therefore, the electrical charge of the oxygen ion is -2. So the correct answer is C. -2.