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Multiple Choice
Oxygen gas (O2) is one of the strongest oxidizing agents known. The explanation for this is that __________.
A
oxygen is so abundant in the atmosphere
B
oxygen gas is composed of two atoms of oxygen
C
oxygen gas contains a double bond
D
oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in cellular respiration
E
the oxygen atom is very electronegative
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself. The higher the electronegativity, the stronger the atom attracts electrons.
Recognize the role of oxygen in chemical reactions: Oxygen is highly electronegative, which means it has a strong tendency to attract electrons from other substances, making it a powerful oxidizing agent.
Identify the structure of oxygen gas (O2): Oxygen gas consists of two oxygen atoms connected by a double bond. This bond allows the molecule to be stable yet reactive due to the high electronegativity of oxygen.
Relate oxygen's role in biological processes: In cellular respiration, oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, highlighting its role as a strong oxidizing agent.
Conclude with the reason for oxygen's oxidizing power: The key reason oxygen is a strong oxidizing agent is its high electronegativity, which enables it to effectively attract and accept electrons from other molecules.