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  • Oxygen Ions: Understanding Electron Configuration and Ionization States
    When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes charged and is called an ion. The number of electrons in an oxygen atom depends on its ionization state.

    A neutral oxygen atom has 8 electrons.

    When it loses two electrons, it becomes an oxide ion (O2-) and has 6 electrons.

    When it gains two electrons, it becomes a superoxide ion (O2-) and has 10 electrons.

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