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, \( O \) and \( O_2 \), depict different forms of the oxygen element.

Similarities:

1. Element: Both representations refer to the same chemical element, oxygen, which has the atomic number 8. This means that each oxygen atom has 8 protons in its nucleus.

2. Atomic Structure: Both representations are based on the same atomic structure of oxygen. The fundamental properties (like electronegativity and atomic mass) of the oxygen atom are the same.

Differences:

1. Representation:

   • \( O \) represents a single oxygen atom. It refers to one atom of oxygen in its atomic form.
   • \( O_2 \) represents a molecule composed of two oxygen atoms. The subscript '2' indicates that there are two atoms of oxygen bonded together.

2. Molecular vs. Atomic Form:

   • \( O \) is the atomic form and is typically found in a gaseous state in very low concentrations in nature (like in the case of individual atoms existing in high-energy environments).
   • \( O_2 \) is the molecular form, and it is the most common form of oxygen found in nature. It constitutes about 21% of Earth's atmosphere and is essential for respiration in many living organisms.

Meaning of the Letter and Number:

• The letter "O" represents the element oxygen, which has its own unique properties and is listed in the periodic table.
• The number "2" in \( O_2 \) indicates that the molecule consists of two oxygen atoms that are covalently bonded together, forming a diatomic molecule. This diatomic nature is a common feature for many elements in their gaseous state at room temperature.