Final answer:
An element with an atomic number of 118 and 8 valence electrons is likely a noble gas, as indicated by its position in Group 18 on the periodic table, characterized by full and stable valence electron shells.
Step-by-step explanation:
An element with an atomic number of 118 and 8 valence electrons would most likely be a member of the noble gases family. According to the periodic table, elements with eight valence electrons are placed in Group 18, which is known to contain the noble gases such as helium, neon, argon, etc.
These elements are characterized by their full valence electron shells, which make them particularly stable and inert. For element 117, if we follow the periodic trends, its valence shell electron configuration would likely end with 7p5, indicating it has seven valence electrons and would be part of the halogens group (Group 17).