According to the octet rule, if an atom has fewer than 8 electrons in the outer most energy level, what is likely to happen?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Nothing will happen, unless it is radioactive.
Nothing will happen, unless it is radioactive.

It will gain or lose neutrons until it has an equivalent number of neutrons to protons.
It will gain or lose neutrons until it has an equivalent number of neutrons to protons.

It will release electrons and protons until it reaches a stable configuration.
It will release electrons and protons until it reaches a stable configuration.

It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell.
It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

It will react with other nearby atoms to give, receive or share electrons until it has a full outer shell.

Atoms with fewer than eight electrons in their outermost energy level (valence shell) are likely to be reactive, as they seek to achieve a stable electronic configuration, typically by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons with other atoms.