Question

which of these elements has the greatest stability because it already fulfills the octet rule by having 8 valence electrons?
a. xenon
b. gallium
c. sodium
d. iodine

Explanation:

Xenon is a noble gas. Noble gases have a full valence shell (8 valence electrons for most, following the octet rule), which gives them high stability. Gallium (\(Ga\)) has 3 valence electrons, Sodium (\(Na\)) has 1 valence electron, and Iodine (\(I\)) has 7 valence electrons. None of these (Gallium, Sodium, Iodine) have 8 valence electrons like Xenon.

Answer:

A. Xenon