Question

oxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that must be present in order for a substance to burn. hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is extremely flammable. when hydrogen burns, it combines with oxygen to form water, a substance that is often used to extinguish fires.
the atomic models above represent the electron - configuration of oxygen (o) and hydrogen (h). which of the following best explains how these two elements might react?
a the elements will form a bond where one hydrogen atom loses its electron to fill the oxygen atoms outermost energy level.
b the elements will form bonds where two hydrogen atoms lose their electrons to fill the oxygen atoms outermost energy level.
c the elements will form bonds where two hydrogen atoms share electrons with one oxygen atom to fill all three atoms outermost energy levels.
d the elements will form bonds where two oxygen atoms share electrons with one hydrogen atom to fill all three atoms outermost energy levels.

Explanation:

Oxygen has 6 electrons in its outermost shell and needs 2 more to complete its octet. Hydrogen has 1 electron and needs 1 more to complete its duet. They form covalent bonds by sharing electrons. Two hydrogen atoms will share their electrons with one oxygen atom to fill the outermost energy levels of all three atoms.

Answer:

C. The elements will form bonds where two hydrogen atoms share electrons with one oxygen atom to fill all three atoms' outermost energy levels.