Oxygen Valence Electrons
Why oxygen has 6
Oxygen has 8 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p4. The highest shell is n = 2, holding 2s2 2p4, so 2 + 4 = 6.
Oxygen is in group 16; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
What that means for bonding
Oxygen needs 2 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 2 (forming O2−) or share 2 in 2 covalent bonds.
Electrons per shell: 2, 6. See the oxygen electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full oxygen data sheet.
Same group, same count
Oxygen valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does oxygen have?
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁴, and the outermost shell (n = 2) holds 2s² + 2p⁴.
How do you find the valence electrons of oxygen?
Oxygen is in group 16; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
How many bonds does oxygen form?
Oxygen needs 2 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 2 (forming O2−) or share 2 in 2 covalent bonds.
What is the Lewis dot structure of oxygen?
The symbol O with 6 dots around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does oxygen have?
2: 8 electrons in total minus the 6 valence electrons.