Is oxygen an anion or cation?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether oxygen is classified as an anion or a cation. This relates to its electrical charge and its behavior in chemical compounds.
Answer
Oxygen forms an anion (O²⁻).
Oxygen itself is neutral, but when it forms ions, it becomes an anion (O²⁻).
Answer for screen readers
Oxygen itself is neutral, but when it forms ions, it becomes an anion (O²⁻).
More Information
In its most common form, oxygen tends to gain electrons and form O²⁻ ions, which are anions.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume oxygen is always a neutral molecule or a diatomic gas. Remember it can gain electrons and become an anion.
Sources
- Anions and Cations Difference - Byju's - byjus.com
- Is oxygen a cation or anion? - Quora - quora.com
- Cation vs Anion: Definition, Chart and the Periodic Table - Technology Networks - technologynetworks.com
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