Answer :
Final answer:
Oxygen is a nonmetal located in the chalcogen group of the periodic table, exhibiting properties such as poor conductivity and brittleness, distinguishing it from metals. Thus, option 2 is correct.
Explanation:
Oxygen is considered a nonmetal. In the periodic table, oxygen is located in Group 16, which is also known as the chalcogen group. As a highly reactive nonmetallic element and an oxidizing agent, oxygen readily forms compounds with most elements, except for the noble gases, which are known for their lack of reactivity. Transition metals typically react with oxygen to form oxides. Thus, option 2 is correct.
Oxygen displays typical nonmetallic properties such as being a poor conductor of electricity and heat. Solid nonmetals like oxygen are also very brittle and generally dull in comparison to shiny, conductive, and malleable metals.
Metals are found on the left side of the periodic table and possess properties like malleability and ductility. Conversely, nonmetals are found on the upper right side of the periodic table. Metals and nonmetals react with oxygen during combustion, but metals will form metallic oxides, whereas nonmetals will form non-metal oxides.
