Why do atoms want 8 valence electrons?
Having eight electrons will cause the inner outer energy shell to be full.
Having eight electrons will cause the atom to be very reactive.
Having eight electrons will cause the outer energy shell to be half full.
Having eight electrons will cause the outer energy shell to be full.
Having eight electrons will cause the outer energy shell to be full.
Having eight electrons will cause the outer energy shell to be full.
The correct answer is: Having eight electrons will cause the outer energy shell to be full.
To understand why atoms want to have eight valence electrons, we need to look at the concept of the octet rule.
The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve a stable configuration similar to the noble gases. Noble gases, like helium, neon, and argon, have a full outer energy level, or valence shell, with eight electrons. This arrangement makes noble gases very stable and less reactive compared to other elements.
Atoms that do not have a full outer energy level, with less than eight valence electrons, tend to be more reactive. They will try to gain or lose electrons to achieve a full outer shell and increase their stability. This can be done through various chemical reactions, such as forming bonds or undergoing electron transfer.
By having a full outer energy level with eight valence electrons, atoms achieve a more stable state, similar to the noble gases. This stability is desirable because it minimizes the tendency of atoms to engage in chemical reactions.