Question

atoms will try to gain or lose the ? number of electrons possible in order to become stable.
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 will gain or lose the fewest electrons possible in becoming stable.
• atoms seek to gain or lose the fewest electrons possible in becoming stable.

most
least
greatest
how many valence electrons in lead? *
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Explanation:

1. For the first question, according to the Octet - Rule description, atoms seek to gain or lose the fewest electrons possible to become stable. So the answer is 'least'.
2. For the second question, lead (Pb) is in Group 14 of the periodic table. Elements in Group 14 have 4 valence electrons.

Answer:

1. B. least
2. D. 4