Chemically stable atoms are inert or less likely to form chemical bonds. What characterizes a chemically stable element?
A) has eight electrons in the outer shell
B) has the same number of protons as electrons
C) atomic number is equal to the atomic mass
D) forms hydrogen bonds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A chemically stable element typically has a full valence shell, which means it has eight electrons in the outermost shell (except for hydrogen and helium, which only have two). This full valence shell makes the element less likely to form chemical bonds. Choices B and C are characteristics of all neutral atoms, not just chemically stable ones. Choice D is inaccurate since hydrogen bonds involve hydrogen atoms, not stable elements.

Chemically Stable Atoms Are Inert or Less Likely to Form