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

Similarities:

1. Element: Both \( O \) and \( O_2 \) refer to the element oxygen. The letter "O" symbolizes oxygen on the periodic table, representing its atomic identity.
2. Atoms: Both representations involve oxygen atoms, as they are derived from the same element.

Differences:

1. Composition:

   • \( O \) represents a single oxygen atom. The letter "O" corresponds to one oxygen atom in its elemental form.
   • \( O_2 \) denotes a molecule composed of two oxygen atoms bonded together. The subscript "2" indicates that there are two oxygen atoms in the molecule.

2. State in Nature:

   • A single oxygen atom \( O \) is rarely found in nature as it is highly reactive and usually exists as part of molecules or compounds.
   • \( O_2 \) is the common form of oxygen found in the Earth's atmosphere, making up about 21% of the air we breathe. It is essential for respiration in many organisms and for combustion processes.

Summary:

• The letter "O" represents the element oxygen.
• The number in \( O_2 \) indicates the number of oxygen atoms in the molecule, showing that \( O_2 \) is a diatomic molecule made up of two oxygen atoms.