AP Chemistry Orbital Diagram of Neutral Oxygen Atom

Question

The link below correlates to the question:

http://prntscr.com/hsqjdg

 

I already filled out the diagram (A) I am just having difficulty answering the question:

 

(B) Using your diagram above, explain why the most common charge on oxygen ion is -2

(C) Would oxygen atoms be deflected if they were shot through a magnetic field? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I agree with your orbital diagram and with the answer to B given by Richard P.  However, I would argue that an oxygen atom is paramagnetic because of the unpaired 2p electrons, and therefore would be attracted to the magnetic field.  If that means deflected (and I think it does), then the answer to C would be that they would be deflected because of the reason just given.  

Answer 2

The simplest answer is that if the oxygen atom acquires two additional electrons, its electron configuration becomes isoelectroinic to the noble gas neon.  This configuration has the full octet and is thus very stable.  

 

Neutral atoms are not deflected by magnetic fields.