Question

Explain how ‘duplet and octet’ rules are involved for an atom to achieve stable electronic configuration.

Answer 1

• Duplet rule: An atom becomes stable when its outermost shell contains two electrons, as in helium. Atoms like hydrogen achieve stability by gaining, losing, or sharing one electron.
• Octet rule: An atom becomes stable when its outermost shell contains eight electrons, like the noble gases. Atoms achieve an octet by losing, gaining, or sharing electrons during chemical bonding.

Thus, atoms form chemical bonds to achieve a stable duplet or octet configuration.