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According to the octet rule, if an atom has fewer than 8 electrons in the outer most energy level, what is likely to happen?

A. It will gain or lose neutrons until it has an equivalent number of neutrons to protons.

B. Nothing will happen, unless it is radioactive.

C. It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell.

D. It will release electrons and protons until it reaches a stable configuration.

User MoondogsMaDawg
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2 Answers

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15 votes

Final answer:

Atoms with fewer than 8 electrons in their valence shell will likely undergo reactions to achieve a full outer shell, following the octet rule. This can involve gaining, losing, or sharing electrons with other atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the octet rule, if an atom has fewer than 8 electrons in the outermost energy level, it is likely that the atom will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell. The correct answer to the student's question is C. It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell. Atoms strive to achieve a full octet in their valence shell to attain stability akin to the nearest noble gas. Metals, for instance, tend to lose electrons and form cations, whereas nonmetals tend to gain electrons and form anions.

User Mwilcox
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22 votes
22 votes

Answer:

It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell.

Step-by-step explanation:

im prolly really late for this one but lol oh well

User Andre Mesquita
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