The two representations of oxygen, \( O \) and \( O_2 \), are related but represent different forms of the element.
Similarities:
- Element: Both representations refer to oxygen, a chemical element with the atomic number 8. They are both composed of oxygen atoms.
- Atomic Nature: Both involve oxygen atoms. \( O \) represents a single oxygen atom, while \( O_2 \) represents a diatomic molecule composed of two oxygen atoms bonded together.
Differences:
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Representation:
- \( O \): This symbol represents a single oxygen atom. It indicates the elemental form of oxygen in its atomic (monatomic) state.
- \( O_2 \): This symbol represents a molecule of oxygen, specifically a diatomic molecule. The subscript “2” indicates that there are two oxygen atoms bonded together.
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State:
- \( O \) (single atom) is not commonly found under normal conditions. Oxygen naturally exists as \( O_2 \) in the atmosphere.
- \( O_2 \) is the most stable and commonly encountered form of oxygen in nature; it is the form we breathe and is essential for aerobic respiration.
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Chemical Behavior:
- A lone oxygen atom (\( O \)) can be highly reactive and is not a stable species under normal conditions.
- \( O_2 \) can participate in various chemical reactions as a molecular species, such as combustion and oxidation reactions.
Explanation of Symbols:
- Letter \( O \): The letter “O” is the chemical symbol for oxygen, which corresponds to its identity as an element in the periodic table.
- Number \( 2 \): The subscript “2” in the molecule \( O_2 \) indicates that there are two oxygen atoms present in the molecular structure, denoting it as a diatomic molecule.
In summary, \( O \) is a single atom of oxygen, while \( O_2 \) is a diatomic molecule consisting of two bonded oxygen atoms, which is the form in which oxygen is typically found and behaves chemically.
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