The outermost shell of an atom can hold fewer than 8 electrons.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The outermost shell of an atom can indeed hold fewer than 8 electrons, as seen in the cases of hydrogen and helium, which have outer shells that can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. The rule of 8 electrons (octet rule) primarily applies to elements in achieving stability, but the capacity of the outermost shell varies depending on the element and its position in the periodic table.

The Outermost Shell of an Atom Can Hold Fewer Than