The number of atoms in oxygen depends on whether you're referring to a single oxygen atom or the common diatomic oxygen molecule.
According to the provided reference, oxygen typically exists as a molecule (O2) comprised of two atoms. This is the colorless gas we breathe. Therefore, in its molecular form, oxygen has two atoms.
| Form | Number of Atoms |
|---|---|
| Single Atom (O) | 1 |
| Molecule (O2) | 2 |
So, the answer depends on the context:
-
If you're talking about a single oxygen atom, the answer is one.
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If you're talking about a molecule of oxygen (O2), the answer is two.
