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Oxygen by itself is reactive, and its reactivity as an atom depends on its electronic configuration (whether it is 3P (what chemists and physicists call "triplet P") or 1D (what we call "singlet D")). This all depends on symmetry and quantum physics.

Molecular oxygen is much less reactive than singular oxygen molecules, and typically partakes in reactions like combustion.

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How is oxygen an atom and a molecule?

Oxygen is an atom; on the periodic table its atomic number is 8. As an atom, oxygen can bond with other atoms to form molecules, or structures of more than one atom. It is also a molecule in that molecular oxygen, O2, is comprised of two oxygen atoms bonded together.


Does water have more hydrogen or oxygen in it?

By number of atoms it has more hydrogen, by mass it has more oxygen. Each water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. However, a typical oxygen atom has about 16 times the mass of a typical hydrogen atom.


Where is the density of electrons greatest in the water molecule?

The density of electrons is greatest around the oxygen atom in a water molecule because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, causing it to attract the shared electrons more strongly. This results in a higher electron density around the oxygen atom.


Is carbon monoxide an atom?

Yes. One carbon atom is bonded to one oxygen atom by two covalent bonds and one coordinate covalent/dative bond, to form a complete molecule.


Why does the oxygen atom in a water molecule have a negative change?

The oxygen atom in a water molecule has a partially negative charge because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. This causes the electrons in the covalent bonds to be pulled closer to the oxygen atom, giving it a partial negative charge.


What atom in a water molecule is the most electromagnetic?

Oxygen is more electronegative (not electromagnetic !).


Why does the oxygen atom of a water molecule have a negative charge?

The oxygen atom in a water molecule has a partial negative charge because it is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms it is bonded to. This causes electron density to be pulled towards the oxygen atom, giving it a slight negative charge.


When hydrogen is attached to the more highly elctronegative oxygen atom in a water molecule?

The oxygen atom in a water molecule attracts electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms. This results in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms, creating a polar molecule. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other.


Which line of electrical charge is found on the oxygen atom of a polar water molecule?

The oxygen atom in a polar water molecule carries a partial negative charge. This is because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, pulling the shared electrons closer to itself and creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.


Are there more oxygen atoms in a molecule of acetic acid than there are in a molecule of ethanol?

Yes, there are more oxygen atoms in a molecule of acetic acid (2 oxygen atoms) than in a molecule of ethanol (1 oxygen atom). Acetic acid has the chemical formula CH3COOH, while ethanol has the formula C2H5OH.


A molecule is defined as the smallest part of an element or compound that can exist on its own. Which one of the following is not a molecule?

An individual atom is not considered a molecule. While a molecule can consist of two or more atoms bonded together, an atom represents the smallest unit of an element and does not exist as a standalone molecule. For example, a single oxygen atom (O) is not a molecule, whereas O2 (two oxygen atoms bonded together) is a molecule.


An example of a molecule?

A molecule of water, a molecule of hydrogen, a molecule of oxygen, a molecule of sugar... Actually more substances come in form of molecules than in atomic form.