Multiple Choice
How would you respond to this reasoning? Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas; therefore, gases containing oxygen—such as ozone, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide—are not greenhouse gases either.
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2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components
Introduction to Chemical Bonding
Multiple Choice
For most atoms, when does the configuration of electrons make the atom unreactive?
A
When the atom has as many protons as neutrons
B
When the atom has moved all its electrons to its outermost shell
C
When the atom achieves a zero net charge
D
When the atom has eight electrons in its outermost shell
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electron configuration: Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Electrons are arranged in shells around the nucleus, and the outermost shell is known as the valence shell.
Learn about the octet rule: Most atoms are stable and unreactive when they have eight electrons in their valence shell. This is known as the octet rule, which is a key principle in chemistry and helps explain the stability of noble gases.
Identify the noble gases: Noble gases, such as helium, neon, and argon, naturally have a full outer shell of electrons, making them unreactive. This is because they have achieved a stable electron configuration.
Differentiate between reactive and unreactive atoms: Atoms with incomplete outer shells tend to be reactive as they seek to achieve a stable electron configuration by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons to fulfill the octet rule.
Apply this knowledge to the problem: The atom becomes unreactive when it has eight electrons in its outermost shell, as this configuration satisfies the octet rule, leading to a stable and inert state.
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