Question

according to the octet rule, if an atom has fewer than 8 electrons in the outer most energy level, what is likely to happen? (1 point)
it will release electrons and protons until it reaches a stable configuration
it will gain or lose neutrons until it has an equivalent number of neutrons to protons
nothing will happen, unless it is radioactive
it will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell

Explanation:

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have 8 electrons in their outer - most energy level for stability. Atoms with less than 8 outer - shell electrons will react with other atoms to achieve a full outer shell. Protons and neutrons are not involved in this process for achieving the octet in the context of chemical bonding, and radioactivity is not related to this basic octet - achieving behavior.

Answer:

It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell