Question

Study the electron dot diagrams for lithium, carbon, fluorine, and neon in Figure 6-1. Choose the statement that correctly identifies the most stable of the elements.

A. Lithium is the most stable element because it has to lose only one electron to achieve a stable configuration.
B. Carbon is the most stable element because it can form four bonds.
C. Fluorine is the most stable element because it has to gain only one electron to achieve a stable configuration.
D. Neon is the most stable element because its highest occupied energy level is filled.

Answer 1

D.
The completely filled valence shell of Neon makes it most stable.

Answer 2

Answer is: D. Neon is the most stable element because its highest occupied energy level is filled.

Neon (symbol: Ne) is an element (noble gas) with atomic number 10, which means it has 10 protons and 10 electrons.

Electron configuration of neon atom: ₁₀Ne 1s²2s²2p⁶.

Noble gases are in group 18: helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe) and radon (Rn). They have very low chemical reactivity.