Concept:An atom with
8 valence electrons has a complete outermost shell, which makes it chemically stable and unreactive.
Explanation:In the ground state, electrons fill the available shells in order of increasing energy.
The valence electrons are the electrons present in the outermost shell of the atom.
An atom having
8 valence electrons satisfies the octet rule, meaning its outermost shell is full.
Elements with full valence shells do not readily gain, lose, or share electrons.
These elements belong to Group 0 of the periodic table and are known as noble gases.
Noble gases are chemically stable because of this complete octet configuration.
Metals and semi-metals typically have fewer valence electrons, while halogens have
7 valence electrons.
Therefore, an atom with
8 valence electrons cannot be a metal, semi-metal, or halogen.
Answer:The element is considered a noble gas.
Correct option: C. noble gas.