Anomalous behaviour of oxygen is due to its

Question

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Oxygen shows anomalous behaviour compared to other Group 16 elements because of its:

1. Small atomic size — leads to high charge density, strong hydrogen bonding, inability to expand octet (no d-orbitals)
2. High electronegativity (3.44) — highest in Group 16, leads to strong O–H bonds, hydrogen bonding, unique oxidation states

These properties make O different from S, Se, Te, Po in terms of:
- Forming p–p bonds (O=O, C=O, N=O)
- Strong hydrogen bonding (water's anomalous properties)
- No d-or

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