Textbook Question
How many electrons does an atom of each of the following elements need to lose to achieve a noble gas configuration? By losing that many electrons, which noble gas configuration is achieved?
(c) Magnesium
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1. A Review of General Chemistry
Octet Rule
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how covalently-bound atoms obey the ?
A
By transferring electrons from one atom to another to complete their
B
By sharing electrons so that each atom achieves a total of electrons in its valence shell
C
By losing all valence electrons to form positively charged ions
D
By gaining electrons until their outer shell contains electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the octet rule: atoms tend to achieve a stable electron configuration with 8 electrons in their valence shell, similar to noble gases.
Recognize that covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, allowing each atom to count the shared electrons toward its octet.
Contrast covalent bonding with ionic bonding, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions.
Note that in covalent bonding, no electrons are completely lost or gained; instead, atoms share electrons to fill their valence shells.
Conclude that the best explanation for how covalently-bound atoms obey the octet rule is by sharing electrons so that each atom achieves a total of 8 electrons in its valence shell.
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