Final answer:
The statement that having eight valence electrons contributes to stability, known as the octet rule, is true; atoms aim to meet this configuration for energetic stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: having eight valence electrons is very stable and is indeed called an octet. This stability is explained by the octet rule, which indicates that atoms are most stable when they have eight electrons in their valence shell. Most atoms strive to achieve this configuration by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons. The noble gases naturally have this stable configuration which is why they are inert and do not react easily with other elements. For main group elements, achieving an octet corresponds to electron configurations ending in s²p⁶. However, the octet rule does have exceptions and is not universally applicable to all elements, particularly those in the transition metals and inner-transition metals.