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

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 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 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.

Nothing

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 tend to seek a stable electron configuration, typically achieving a full outer shell with eight electrons through chemical reactions.