Question

Which of the following best describes the octet rule for atoms of main group elements?

A) Main group elements tend to have 8 valence electrons to be stable.
B) Main group elements can have any number of valence electrons and still be stable.
C) The octet rule only applies to transition metals.
D) Main group elements must have 2 valence electrons to be stable.

Answer 1

The octet rule states that main group elements tend to have 8 valence electrons to achieve stability, which is most accurately reflected in option A of the provided choices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best description of the octet rule for atoms of main group elements is that main group elements tend to have 8 valence electrons to be stable, so option A is correct: Main group elements tend to have 8 valence electrons to be stable. This rule demonstrates the atoms' propensity to share, lose, or gain valence electrons in order to have eight electrons in their valence shell, resembling the electron configuration of a noble gas. Elements on the left side of the periodic table often lose electrons to form cations, while elements on the right side gain electrons to form anions. Notable exceptions, however, include hydrogen and helium, which follow the duet rule, and heavier elements that can exceed the octet rule due to additional orbital capacity.