Assuming the octet rule is obeyed, how many covalent bonds will an oxygen atom form to give a formal charge of zero
A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3
E) 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for oxygen to have a formal charge of zero while obeying the octet rule, it must form two covalent bonds. This will result in oxygen having 8 valence electrons (two from each bond, and 4 from its own) which is a stable octet. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C) 2.

Assuming the Octet Rule Is Obeyed, How Many Covalent Bonds