Describe an octet rule. Atoms of various elements enter into chemical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their outermost shell
Atoms of various elements enter into physical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their outermost shell
Atoms of various elements enter into physical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their innermost shell
Atoms of various elements enter into chemical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their innermost shell
A Atoms of various elements enter into chemical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their outermost shell
B Atoms of various elements enter into physical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their innermost shell
C Atoms of various elements enter into physical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their outermost shell
D Atoms of various elements enter into chemical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their innermost shell
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A: Atoms of various elements enter into chemical combination so as to attain the configuration of eight electrons in their outermost shell.
Explanation:
The octet rule is a fundamental principle in chemistry, stating that atoms tend to combine in such a way that each atom achieves a stable electron configuration, usually consisting of eight electrons in their outermost electron shell. This configuration is similar to the noble gases, which are chemically stable because their outermost shell is full.
In chemical bonding, atoms of different elements form bonds (either ionic or covalent) to reach a stable electron arrangement. For example:
- Ionic Bonds: In ionic bonding, one atom donates electrons to another, leading to the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. These ions attract each other, forming a stable compound. For example, sodium (Na) gives up an electron to achieve the electron configuration of neon (Ne), and chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to achieve the configuration of argon (Ar). The result is NaCl, where both sodium and chlorine have a full outer electron shell.
- Covalent Bonds: In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to fill their outermost shells. For instance, in a molecule of water (H2O), oxygen shares electrons with hydrogen to ensure both atoms have a full outer shell, satisfying the octet rule.
The octet rule primarily applies to the main-group elements (those in Groups 1A to 7A of the periodic table). However, it does not strictly apply to all elements, especially transition metals, which can have more than eight electrons in their valence shell due to their complex electron configurations.
The rule is crucial in explaining the stability of molecules and the way atoms interact chemically to form compounds. By achieving an octet in their outer shell, atoms reach a lower energy state and a more stable configuration.