When forming molecules, atoms either lose, gain, or share electrons to obtain a specific number of valence electrons. Which number are they trying to achieve?A) 7 B) 8 C) 18 D) 24
Chemistry · High School · Sun Jan 24 2021
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B) 8
- Atoms, when forming molecules, strive to achieve a specific number of valence electrons known as the "octet rule." The octet rule is based on the observation that atoms tend to completely fill or empty their outermost valence shell of electrons to attain a stable electronic configuration similar to the noble gases, which have eight electrons in their outer shell (except for helium, which has a full outer shell with two electrons). Therefore, in most cases, atoms will lose, gain, or share electrons to have eight valence electrons.