Multiple Choice
According to the octet rule, atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve how many electrons in their outermost shell?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Octet Rule
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According to the octet rule, how many electrons constitute a complete octet in the valence shell of an atom?
A
10
B
2
C
6
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the octet rule: it states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.
Recall that the valence shell is the outermost electron shell of an atom, where chemical bonding occurs.
Recognize that a complete octet means having 8 electrons in the valence shell, which provides maximum stability for most main-group elements.
Note that the number 8 corresponds to the total electrons needed to fill the s and p orbitals in the valence shell (2 electrons in the s orbital and 6 electrons in the p orbitals).
Therefore, according to the octet rule, a complete octet consists of 8 electrons in the valence shell.
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