Final answer:
The central atom from periods 2 or 3 and higher can have over 8 electrons. Atoms in the third period and beyond can accommodate extra electrons due to available d orbitals, unlike second-period elements which are limited to 8 electrons. The option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the central atom is from period 2 or period 3 of the periodic table or higher, it can have over 8 electrons. Atoms in the second period of the periodic table can only host up to 8 electrons around the central atom because they only have s and p orbitals. However, starting from the third period, the atoms have d orbitals available which can accommodate additional electrons beyond the octet. An example of this is the sulfur atom (in period 3), which can expand its octet and is commonly found in molecules with more than 8 electrons around the central sulfur atom.
As we examine Lewis structures, we note that if any electrons are left over after forming a stable electron structure, these are placed on the central atom. In some cases, not all elements can form an octet; for those elements, lone pairs from terminal atoms may be used to form multiple bonds with the central atom to achieve an octet. Therefore, option (A) is correct.