Like in every other element apart from Hydrogen, in Oxygen's first electron shell, there are two electrons, filling it to the maximum limit. the Next electron shell, which for Oxygen is the valence shell, there are six valence electrons, not filling it completely, due to needing two more. This is the reason for Oxygen's extremely reactive state, because it is striving to reach equilibrium, a.k.a. stability, by acquiring the last two needed valence electrons ("Oxygen Element Facts"). Oxygen atoms may achieve this by bonding with other atoms, in two ways; ionic bonding and covalent bonding. Oxygen is able to form an ionic bond with elements such as Calcium and Magnesium, hence obtaining a negative two (-2) net charge, and reaching equilibrium. On the other hand, there is covalent bonding, which Oxygen could form with atoms of elements like Hydrogen or even with Oxygen atoms. This way, the electrons are shared between the atoms, and so the atoms form a molecule. Molecules like these have a compound name to go with it, for example, two hydrogens and one oxygen that formed a covalent bond is called dihydrogen monoxide, or water (Pappas, Stephanie).
Chemical Elements.com - Oxygen (O). Digital image. Periodic Table: Oxygen. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2016. <http://www.chemicalelements.com/bohr/b0008.gif>.
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Covalent Bonds. Digital image. OBaron Grade 8 Chemistry Unit Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2016. <https://obaronchemistry.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/untitled1.jpg>.
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