In the reaction: Al(s) + O2 (g) → Al2O3 (s), how many electrons does an atom of oxygen lose or gain?
Options:
a) oxygen loses 2 electrons
b) oxygen gains 2 electrons
c) oxygen loses 3 electrons
d) oxygen gains 3 electrons
e) there is no loss or gain of electrons
In the reaction Al(s) + O2(g) → Al2O3(s), an atom of oxygen gains 2 electrons.
Therefore, the correct option is b) oxygen gains 2 electrons.