www.ck12.

org

Octet Rule Practice Worksheet

Visit CK12.org for Free Online Practice

1. Which electron configuration is of a relatively unreactive element?

a. [Ne]3s2
b. [Ar]4s2 3d 10
c. [Xe]6s2 4 f 14
d. [Kr]5s2 4d 10 5p6

2. The electron structure of atoms in elements A and C are 2, 8, 1 and 2, 8, 18, 7, respectively. The formula for
the compound formed between A and C will be AC.

TRUE or FALSE:

3. What scientist is credited with formulating the octet rule?

a. Friedrich Hund
b. Erwin Schrödinger
c. Wolfgang Pauli
d. Gilbert Lewis

4. Which elements from the periodic table are the least reactive?
a. noble gases
b. transition metals
c. metalloids
d. lanthanides

5. Which noble gas does not possess a true octet?

a. radon
b. helium
c. argon
d. xenon

6. Which element is able to achieve stability in a compound without achieving an octet of electrons?
a. oxygen
b. magnesium
c. bromine
d. hydrogen

1
 www.ck12.org

7. For periods 2 and above, what is the maximum number of valence electrons that an atom can have?
a. 8
b. 2
c. 6
d. 18

8. How do two nonmetal atoms gain stability and form compounds?

a. sharing valence electrons
b. transferring electrons
c. fusing nuclei
d. Nonmetal atoms do not make compounds with each other

9. The compound BH3 obeys the octet rule.

TRUE or FALSE:

10. In ionic compounds, metal atoms tend to lose their valence electrons, while nonmetal atoms tend to gain
electrons.

TRUE or FALSE:

2
www.ck12.org

Answer Keys
1. [Kr]5s2 4d 10 5p6
2. TRUE
3. Gilbert Lewis
4. noble gases
5. helium
6. hydrogen
7. 8
8. sharing valence electrons
9. FALSE
10. TRUE

3
 www.ck12.org

Printed: January 28, 2020