Question

If the central atom is from period (2/3) or up, it can have (Over/Less Than) 8 electrons.

a) Over
b) Less Than
c) Exactly 8
d) Variable

Answer 1

The central atom from period 3 or higher can have over 8 electrons, breaking the octet rule because they have d orbitals available.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the central atom is from period 2/3 or higher, it can have Over 8 electrons. The correct answer is a) Over.

Atoms in periods 1 and 2 follow the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shell, giving them the same electronic configuration as a noble gas. However, atoms in period 3 and beyond can have more than eight valence electrons. This is because starting from the third period, atoms have d orbitals available in addition to s and p orbitals, allowing them to hold more than eight electrons.