How are the following two representations of oxygen similar and different? Explain what the letter means and explain what the number means in your answer.

Question

O
and O2

Answer 1

The two representations of oxygen you provided are \( O \) and \( O_2 \). Both symbols refer to oxygen, but they represent different forms of the element.

Similarities:

1. Element: Both \( O \) and \( O_2 \) refer to the same chemical element, oxygen, which has the atomic number 8 on the periodic table.
2. Presence in Nature: Both forms are related to the element's presence in nature since oxygen is an essential element for life on Earth.

Differences:

1. Symbol Meaning:

   • \( O \): This symbol represents a single oxygen atom. It indicates the individual unit of the element.
   • \( O_2 \): This symbol represents a molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms bonded together. It indicates the diatomic form of oxygen, which is the most common form of oxygen found in the Earth's atmosphere (about 21%).

2. Number Meaning:

   • In \( O \), there is no subscript, which implies that it represents a single atom of oxygen.
   • In \( O_2 \), the "2" (the subscript) specifies that there are two atoms of oxygen that are chemically bonded together to form a molecule.

In summary:

• \( O \) denotes a single atom of oxygen, while \( O_2 \) denotes a diatomic molecule made of two oxygen atoms. The distinction is significant in chemistry as it affects the properties and behaviors of oxygen, as well as its role in various chemical reactions, such as combustion and respiration.