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  • Oxygen Molecule Structure: Bonding, Shape & Formula (O₂)
    Oxygen is a diatomic molecule, meaning it exists as two oxygen atoms bonded together. Here's a breakdown of its structure:

    * Atoms: Two oxygen atoms (O)

    * Bond: A double covalent bond (two shared pairs of electrons)

    * Shape: Linear

    * Formula: O₂

    Visual Representation:

    ```

    O = O

    ```

    Here's a more detailed explanation:

    * Covalent Bonding: Each oxygen atom has six valence electrons. To achieve a stable octet (eight electrons in their outer shell), they share two pairs of electrons, forming a double covalent bond.

    * Linear Shape: The two oxygen atoms and the shared electron pairs form a straight line, resulting in a linear structure.

    * Bond Length: The bond length in oxygen is approximately 121 picometers (pm).

    Key Points:

    * Oxygen is a highly reactive molecule due to its double bond and the tendency of oxygen atoms to gain electrons.

    * The structure of oxygen is critical for its role in respiration, combustion, and many other important chemical reactions.

    Let me know if you'd like more information on any aspect of oxygen's structure or properties!

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