Why do atoms want 8 valence electrons?
8 valence electrons make the atom better able to react with other elements.
8 valence electrons help atoms dissolve in water.
8 valence electrons are a full shell that makes the atom more stable.
In nature, 8 is the number at which all matter is most happy.
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The most accurate answer is that 8 valence electrons make the atom more stable. This stability is due to the octet rule, which states that many atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration with 8 valence electrons, similar to the noble gases. Achieving a full shell of 8 valence electrons allows the atom to have a more balanced electrostatic charge distribution and a lower tendency for chemical reactions. This stability is important for atoms to form bonds with other elements and to maintain a more favorable energetic state.
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