Question

the outermost electrons in an atom are *
o valence electrons.
o make the atom electrically neutral
o positively charged.
o located in the nucleus

2 points
what do atoms need in order to obtain the most stability? *
the octet rule

• atoms are most stable when they have a full outer shell of valence electrons.
• most atoms will attempt to have a full outer shell of eight valence electrons.
• atoms will gain or lose electrons to fulfill the octet rule.
• atoms seek to gain or lose the fewest electrons possible in becoming stable.

o add a total of 8 electrons in their outer shell.
o a full outer shell of electrons.
o a total of 6 valence electrons.

Explanation:

1. The outermost electrons in an atom are called valence electrons. They participate in chemical bonding and determine the chemical properties of the atom. Protons make the atom positively - charged and are located in the nucleus, and electrons make the atom electrically neutral.
2. According to the Octet Rule, atoms are most stable when they have a full outer shell of valence electrons. While many atoms aim for 8 valence electrons, the key concept is having a full outer shell, which may not always be 8 (e.g., hydrogen and helium have a full outer shell with 2 electrons).

Answer:

1. valence electrons
2. A full outer shell of electrons