While the maximum number of electrons required to fill the outermost shell of an atom varies depending on the size of the atom,almost all of the smaller atoms (atomic numbers 2-20)are considered stable (nonreactive)when they contain ________ electron(s)in the outermost shell.

Question

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The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons until they have eight electrons in their outermost shell. This is called a stable electron configuration. For elements with atomic numbers 2-20, their outermost shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Therefore, if they have 8 electrons in their outermost shell, they are considered stable (nonreactive). Thus, the best choice for the given question is C, 8.

While the Maximum Number of Electrons Required to Fill the Outermost