chemistry?

Question

What is the octet rule? why is it important?

Answer 1

The octet rules says that atoms tend to gain or lose electrons so as to have 8 electrons in their outer shell (with the exception of hydrogen.) It is important because it is used to predict how different atoms react with each other and what compounds they will form.

Answer 2

The octet rule has to do witht he number of electrons that go in the outmost (valence) shell. Most atoms try to have 8 (an octet )of electrons. If elements have 5 or more electrons, they fill them out by adding to 8. Occasionally, atoms with 4 electrons in the valence shell will add 4 more to make 8. Atoms with 1, 2, or 3 electrons in the valence shell normally lose those outermost ones so that the next shell down becomes the outer most and is usually full or has 8 electrons in it. The importance is that forms the basis for bonding. Ionic bonds are formed when the elements take different charges. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electron pairs to fill out the valence shell with an octet of electrons. The above is the usual case, there are exceptions that must be learned.

Answer 3

the octet rule is that an atom is stable when there are 8 valence electrons. relating to your earlier question about lewis dot structures, you use the octet rule in determining what type of bonds you need in a molecule...

yes, it is very important!!! you should practice dot structures and those will help you understand them.

Answer 4

The octet rule says that elements will tend to reach 8 electrons in their last layer in order to reach a stable state. It is important when combining elements (ions for example)

Answer 5

The octet rule is a simple chemical rule of thumb that states that atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shells. Molecules tend to be more stable when the outer shells of their constituent atoms are empty or full, that is, have 8 electrons.

Answer 6

The octet rule states that all atoms would like to have 8 electrons in their outer energy level. (Helium being the exception)
It means that column 1 wants to give away its outer e-, column 2 wants to give away 2 e- ,column 3 gives away 3, column 4 shares, column 5 takes 3e- , column 6 takes 2 e-,column7 takes 1e- and column 8 has 8.e-.

I have skipped the transition metals which have more than one oxidation state. With the new format of the periodic table, 3=13, 4=14, 5=15,6=16,7=17,8=18

Answer 7

the octet rule mandates that all atoms "desire" 8 electrons in their valence, or outermost shell in order to be stable. this is important because atoms will share electrons in order to have 8 in their outermost shell. this is what lies at the heart of all chemical reactions.

Answer 8

if an atom has 8 electrons in the outter shell it is stable. and because atoms tend to stability is important to understand the bonds in molecules