According to the octet rule, atoms whose outer electron shells contain eight electrons tend to:

• A. gain electrons to complete their valence shell
• B. be chemically stable and unreactive
• C. lose electrons easily to form cations
• D. form multiple covalent bonds

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the octet rule: it states that atoms tend to be most stable when they have eight electrons in their outermost (valence) shell, resembling the electron configuration of noble gases.
2. Recognize that atoms achieve this stable configuration by either gaining, losing, or sharing electrons to complete their valence shell with eight electrons.
3. Analyze each option in the context of the octet rule: gaining electrons, losing electrons, forming multiple covalent bonds, or becoming chemically stable and unreactive.
4. Recall that when atoms have a full valence shell of eight electrons, they are at a low energy state and thus tend to be chemically stable and less likely to react further.
5. Conclude that according to the octet rule, atoms with eight electrons in their outer shell tend to be chemically stable and unreactive.