Which statement best describes the octet rule and its basis?

• A. Atoms always form eight covalent bonds to become stable.
• B. Atoms combine to form molecules with a total of eight atoms.
• C. Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve eight electrons in their valence shell, similar to the electron configuration of noble gases.
• D. Atoms seek to have eight protons in their nucleus to achieve stability.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the octet rule is a guideline in chemistry that explains how atoms achieve stability by having eight electrons in their valence (outermost) shell.
2. Recognize that atoms do not always form exactly eight covalent bonds; instead, they tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to complete their valence shell with eight electrons.
3. Know that the octet rule is based on the observation that atoms tend to adopt electron configurations similar to those of noble gases, which naturally have full valence shells of eight electrons.
4. Realize that the rule applies primarily to main-group elements and helps explain the formation of ionic and covalent bonds as atoms seek to reach a stable electron arrangement.
5. Note that the octet rule is about electrons in the valence shell, not about the number of atoms in a molecule or the number of protons in the nucleus.