alleryThe maximum number of bonds an oxygen atom can normally form is:
A1
B2
C3
D4
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. 2
1. Oxygen's valence configuration is 2s² 2p⁴ — needs 2 more electrons to complete the octet.
2. So it normally forms 2 covalent bonds (e.g. H₂O, OF₂).
3. In coordinate (dative) compounds like H₃O⁺ it can form 3, but that's an exception with formal positive charge.
_Source: syllabus Chem Ch 4 §4.2 Octet Rule_
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