Using the location of the element on the Periodic Table, tell how each element below will fill its outer energy level and achieve a stable electron configuration in an ionic bond.

Question

Using the location of the element on the Periodic Table, tell how each element below will fill its outer energy level and achieve a stable electron configuration in an ionic bond.

How will Oxygen (O) achieve a stable electron configuration?

a.It will lose 1 valence electron.
b.It will lose 2 valence electrons.
c.It will gain 1 valence electron.
d.It will lose 3 valence electrons.
e.It will gain 3 valence electrons.
f.It will gain 2 valence electrons.

Answer 1

Oxygen (O) is located in group 16 (also known as the oxygen family) on the Periodic Table. It has 6 valence electrons. In an ionic bond, oxygen will gain 2 valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the correct answer is f. It will gain 2 valence electrons.