Question

question 7 of 28 which of the following best describes an atom that does not have a full valence shell? a. the atom may gain, lose, or share electrons to fill its valence shell. b. the atom is stable and will not react with other atoms. c. the atom will always gain electrons to fill its valence shell. d. the atom will always lose electrons to fill its valence shell.

Explanation:

An atom without a full valence shell is unstable and tends to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full valence shell (octet rule). Options B is incorrect as it describes stability. C and D use "always," which is false since behavior depends on valence electron count (metals lose, nonmetals gain, some share).

Answer:

A. The atom may gain, lose, or share electrons to fill its valence shell