Which of these elements cannot exceed the octet rule?
A) Si, P, S, Cl
B) B, N, O, F
C) O, S, F, Cl
D) B, Si, N, P
E) All eight elements can exceed the octet rule.

Question

Which of these elements cannot exceed the octet rule? 
A) Si, P, S, Cl 
B) B, N, O, F 
C) O, S, F, Cl 
D) B, Si, N, P 
E) All eight elements can exceed the octet rule.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elements in choice B (B, N, O, and F) cannot exceed the octet rule because they have a valence shell of only four or five electrons, so they cannot accommodate more than eight electrons.

Which of These Elements Cannot Exceed the Octet Rule