Octet Rule Quiz

Octet rule = Refers to the tendency of atoms to prefer to have eight electrons in the valence shell Cations = Positively charged ions, often formed by metals when making ionic compounds Anions = Negatively charged ions, often formed by nonmetals when making ionic compounds Valence shell = The outermost shell of an atom, where valence electrons are located

Atoms with fewer than eight electrons in the valence shell = Tend to react and form more stable compounds by losing or gaining electrons Atoms that lose electrons = Acquire a positive charge and become cations Atoms that gain electrons = Acquire a negative charge and become anions Atoms with nearly eight electrons in the valence shell = Can gain additional valence electrons to achieve an octet

Valence electrons = Electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom Ions = Charged particles formed by the loss or gain of electrons Metals = Tend to become cations when making ionic compounds Nonmetals = Tend to become anions when making ionic compounds

Formation of cations = Occurs when atoms lose electrons, resulting in a positive charge Formation of anions = Occurs when atoms gain electrons, resulting in a negative charge Octet completion = Process where atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a full valence shell Stability of compounds = Result of atoms reacting and forming compounds to achieve a more stable electron configuration

Loss of valence electrons = Leads to the acquisition of a positive charge Gain of valence electrons = Leads to the acquisition of a negative charge Positive charge of cations = Due to the imbalance between protons and electrons in the atom Negative charge of anions = Due to the excess of electrons compared to protons in the atom