Question

Type Answer or Dont Bother Answering.

How does the octet rule relate to bonding? Include an explanation of the octet rule in your answer.

Answer 1

Atoms forms bond to get stability. Stability in the sense that by forming a bond atoms attain the nearest inert gas configuration i.e.- octet configuration (ns²np⁶) in their valence shell. This is the valence configuartion which makes these gases inert and this is the reason why they are called as inert gases (inert means which does not reacts with anybody).

For example, in methane (CH₄), carbon forms four covalent bond with four hydrogen atom by sharing one electron each with hydrogen atom. Carbon has four valence electron(ns²np²), by sharing four of its electron with four hydrogen atom, it has now eight electron (octet) in its valence shell and attains the nearest inert configuration of neon. (while electron sharing each atoms have equal rights on the share electron pair )