(a) True or false: The hydrogen atom is most stable when it has a full octet of electrons.

Key Concepts

Octet Rule

The octet rule is a chemical principle that states atoms tend to bond in such a way that they have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. This rule is particularly applicable to main group elements and helps explain the formation of chemical bonds.

Hydrogen's Electron Configuration

Hydrogen, with only one electron, is unique in that it can achieve stability by having a full outer shell with just two electrons, rather than eight. This is because hydrogen's first and only energy level can hold a maximum of two electrons, making its most stable state the duet configuration.

Stability in Atoms

Stability in atoms is often associated with having a complete outer electron shell. For most elements, this means achieving an octet, but for hydrogen, stability is reached with two electrons. Understanding this distinction is crucial for evaluating the stability of different elements and their bonding behavior.