What is the Octet Rule of Electron Configuration?

Electron configuration is the arrangement of electrons in each energy level or shell of an atom.

• If the outer shell of an atom is not filled to its maximum level, the atom is still reactive and has a tendency to combine with other elements
• The atom only becomes stable when it is filled to the maximum level it can hold in the outer shell
• The octet rule is a rule of thumb that works most of the time with some exceptions
• For more information on valence electrons, please click here >>

Chlorine and fluorine fulfilling the octet rule

Fluorine has 7 valence electrons

Chlorine has 7 valence electrons

Chlorine and fluorine are bonded by sharing 1 electron each

Together they become a stable compound

Each atom now has 8 valence electrons (instead of 7) occupying its valence shell