Question

Locate Lithium and oxygen on the periodic table. Briefly explain how these elements might combine to form a compound.

Answer 1

Lithium atoms have one valence electron, where as oxygen atoms have six. Lithium atoms tend to give up their single valence electrons, and oxygen tends to gain two valence electrons from other atoms, like lithium. They do this so they will have filled valence shells.  hope this answers your question :)

Answer 2

Lithium is located in group 1 period 2 and oxygen is located in group 16 period 2. These two elements might combine to form a compound because of their oxidation state. Oxygen needs 2 electrons to be stable while lithium is willing to give away 2 electrons to become stable as well.