Why is atomic oxygen more reactive than molecular oxygen?

Atomic oxygen is a very reactive chemical species having the symbol O(3P). It is a free radical. This means atomic oxygen has an unpaired electron that makes this atom highly reactive.

Why is atomic oxygen extremely reactive?

Atomic oxygen, denoted O(3P) or O(3P), is very reactive, as the single atoms of oxygen tend to quickly bond with nearby molecules.

What is the difference between atomic oxygen and nascent oxygen?

Assertion :SO2 is a bleaching agent. Reason: Nascent oxygen causes bleaching. Q3….

O2	O ( nascent oxygen)
Two oxygen atoms combined with each other and form oxygen molecule.	In this single atom of oxygen is present.
It is not a powerful oxidizer.	Powerful oxidizer.

Is oxygen atomic or molecular?

Oxygen is a chemical element – a substance that contains only one type of atom. Its official chemical symbol is O, and its atomic number is 8, which means that an oxygen atom has eight protons in its nucleus. Oxygen is a gas at room temperature and has no colour, smell or taste. Oxygen is found naturally as a molecule.

What causes atomic oxygen?

In the upper reaches of the atmosphere, about 200 to 500 miles above the Earth, atomic oxygen is created by exposure to intense solar ultraviolet light. Oxygen molecules (two oxygen atoms bonded together as O2) decompose into two separate oxygen atoms, or atomic oxygen.

Does the atomic radius increase from top to bottom?

The atomic radius of atoms generally increases from top to bottom within a group. As the atomic number increases down a group, there is again an increase in the positive nuclear charge. As the atomic number increases within a period, the atomic radius decreases.

What is the difference between oxygen and atomic oxygen?

Understanding Atomic Oxygen. Oxygen comes in several different forms. The oxygen that we breathe is called O2—that is, it is comprised of two atoms of oxygen. O3 is ozone, such as occurs in Earth’s upper atmosphere, and O (one atom), is atomic oxygen.

What is molecular oxygen?

What is Molecular Oxygen? Molecular oxygen is diatomic oxygen having the symbol O 2. It contains two oxygen atoms bonded to each other via covalent bonding. There is a double bond between these two atoms. Since the two oxygen atoms have eight electrons around them, the oxygen molecule is less reactive.

What is the difference between O2 and O3 oxygen?

Oxygen comes in several different forms. The oxygen that we breathe is called O2—that is, it is comprised of two atoms of oxygen. O3 is ozone, such as occurs in Earth’s upper atmosphere, and O (one atom), is atomic oxygen.

How many oxygen atoms are there in the atmosphere?

Since the two oxygen atoms have eight electrons around them, the oxygen molecule is less reactive. Therefore, this chemical species exist in the atmosphere itself. Our atmosphere has about 21\% molecular oxygen. This amount of oxygen is essential for all the organisms for their respiration.