1. The combining capacity of atoms was explained by their tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically resembling that of noble gases, with a full outer shell or octet.

    The combining capacity of atoms was explained by their tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically resembling that of noble gases, with a full outer shell or octet.

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  2. The commonality among the inert elements with filled outermost shells, such as the noble gases, is their stable electron configurations, characterized by having a full outer shell or octet.

    The commonality among the inert elements with filled outermost shells, such as the noble gases, is their stable electron configurations, characterized by having a full outer shell or octet.

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  3. For elements with completely filled outermost shells, their valency is typically zero, as they do not readily gain, lose, or share electrons to form chemical bonds due to their stable configuration.

    For elements with completely filled outermost shells, their valency is typically zero, as they do not readily gain, lose, or share electrons to form chemical bonds due to their stable configuration.

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  4. A helium atom has two electrons in its only shell, which is also its outermost shell. Thus, it has a total of two electrons in its outermost shell.

    A helium atom has two electrons in its only shell, which is also its outermost shell. Thus, it has a total of two electrons in its outermost shell.

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  5. An outermost shell possessing an "octet" means it contains eight electrons, achieving a stable configuration similar to noble gases, which have full outer shells.

    An outermost shell possessing an “octet” means it contains eight electrons, achieving a stable configuration similar to noble gases, which have full outer shells.

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