Which statement BEST describes the meaning of an expanded octet?
A) "Expanded octets" are molecules in which an element expands its valence shell to gain an octet of electrons.
B) "Expanded octets" is a term that describes atoms that have more than eight electrons in their valence shells.
C) "Expanded octets" refers to atoms that, when bonded, must be larger than normal.
D) "Expanded octets" is used to describe elements that do not normally form an octet when bonded and would therefore have to expand to form the octet.
E) "Expanded octets" is used to describe how atoms accept electrons to attain a full valence shell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Expanded octets" refer to the phenomenon where certain atoms can have more than eight electrons in their valence shells, typically seen in elements in the third period or below of the periodic table, due to the availability of d orbitals for bonding.

Which Statement BEST Describes the Meaning of an Expanded Octet