Question

what is the octet rule?
in order to achieve eight total electrons, atoms tend to lose, gain, or share electrons.
atoms tend to lose, gain, or share eight valence electrons to form a bond.
in order to reach eight electrons in their valence shells, atoms tend to lose, gain, or share electrons.
atoms tend to lose, gain, or share valence electrons to form eight valence shells.

Explanation:

The octet rule is about atoms achieving a stable electron configuration. Atoms aim for eight electrons in their valence shells (not total electrons, not forming eight valence shells, and not sharing eight valence electrons to form a bond). They do this by losing, gaining, or sharing electrons.

Answer:

In order to reach eight electrons in their valence shells, atoms tend to lose, gain, or share electrons.