Multiple Choice
According to the octet rule, how many electrons constitute a complete octet in the valence shell of an atom?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Octet Rule
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Atoms of which elements commonly form bonds without satisfying the octet rule?
A
Nitrogen and fluorine
B
Hydrogen and boron
C
Carbon and oxygen
D
Neon and argon
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the octet rule: it states that atoms tend to form bonds until they are surrounded by eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a noble gas configuration.
Identify elements that commonly do not follow the octet rule. These include elements that are exceptions due to their small size or electron configuration.
Hydrogen is an exception because it only needs 2 electrons to fill its valence shell (duet rule), not 8.
Boron is another exception because it often forms compounds where it has only 6 electrons around it, not a full octet.
Elements like nitrogen, fluorine, carbon, oxygen, neon, and argon typically follow the octet rule, with neon and argon being noble gases that rarely form bonds.
