Practice Octet Rule in Chemistry
Use these practice problems to test your method after reviewing the concept explanation and worked examples.
Quick Recap
A chemical bonding principle stating that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve a stable configuration of 8 electrons in their outermost shell, resembling the electron arrangement of the nearest noble gas.
8 is the magic number. Atoms 'want' a full outer shell like noble gases.
Example 1
easyState the octet rule and explain why atoms tend to follow it.
Example 2
mediumUse the octet rule to explain why sodium forms \text{Na}^+ and chlorine forms \text{Cl}^- when they react to form NaCl.
Example 3
mediumUse the octet rule to explain why oxygen forms two covalent bonds in a water molecule (\text{H}_2\text{O}).
Example 4
hardIdentify two exceptions to the octet rule and give a specific molecular example of each.