Answer: Have 8 electrons in their valence shell.
- A Have 8 electrons in their valence shell
- B Possess exactly 8 protons in the nucleus
- C Form exactly 8 covalent bonds with neighbouring atoms
- D Gain a full 8 additional electrons regardless of starting count
Correct answer: A. Have 8 electrons in their valence shell
Explanation: The octet rule says atoms prefer 8 valence electrons (like noble gases) by forming bonds.
VSEPR theory predicts molecular shape from the number of bonding and lone electron pairs around the central atom.
Concept context
Understand how atoms join to form molecules. Covers ionic and covalent bonding, VSEPR theory, hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), molecular orbital theory, bond polarity, and intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
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