The valence electron configurations of several atoms are shown here. How many bonds can each atom make without hybridization? c. O 2s²2p⁴

Key Concepts

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an atom can bond with others. The number of valence electrons influences the atom's ability to form bonds, as these electrons are involved in chemical reactions and bond formation.

Octet Rule

The octet rule states that atoms tend to form bonds in such a way that they have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. This rule helps predict the bonding behavior of elements, particularly in covalent bonding.

Bonding Capacity

Bonding capacity refers to the maximum number of bonds an atom can form based on its valence electron configuration. For oxygen, which has six valence electrons (2s²2p⁴), it can typically form two bonds to achieve a full octet, allowing it to stabilize its electron configuration.