Question

The octet rule refers to the:

A. stability of the nucleus when the protons are in a multiple of eight.
B. stability of the atom when there are eight electrons in the outermost energy level.
C. stable configuration of the nucleus when there are eight more neutrons than protons.
D. principle that one atom can combine with a maximum of eight other atoms.

Answer 1

The octet rule is a chemical principle that states atoms tend to form bonds in such a way that each atom has eight electrons in its valence shell, achieving stability similar to noble gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The octet rule refers to the chemical principle that atoms gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration of eight electrons in their valence shell. This represents a particularly stable arrangement similar to the electron configurations of the noble gases. Atoms with eight electrons in their outermost energy level are energetically more stable because all the s and p orbitals in the valence shell are filled, which corresponds to an electron configuration ending in s²p⁶. The octet rule is applicable mainly to the main group elements and is fundamental to understanding chemical bonding and molecule formation.