What can atoms do to satisfy the octet rule?

1 Answer
Nov 11, 2015

To satisfy the octet rule, atoms must fill their valence shell with electrons.

Explanation:

The Octet Rule says that an atom is in its most stable state when it has a full valence shell (8 electrons in its valence shell). So, atoms take the electrons of other atoms to satisfy the Octet Rule. For example, carbon only has four valence electrons. It can combine with four hydrogen atoms, which each have only one electron, to fill its valence shell. This is how methane, or CH4, is created.

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-Arbegla