Question

select all that apply
which statements about the chemical stability of atoms is true?
sulfur is stable when its outer energy level has eight electrons.
hydrogen is stable when its outer energy level has two electrons.
group 17 elements are stable when their outer energy levels have eight electrons.
fluorine is stable when its outer energy level has seven electrons.
group 15 elements are stable when their outer energy levels have five electrons.

Explanation:

• Sulfur (S) follows the octet rule (8 - electron outer - shell for stability).
• Hydrogen (H) has a duet rule (2 - electron outer - shell for stability).
• Group 17 (halogens) need to gain 1 electron to achieve an octet (8 electrons in the outer shell for stability).
• Fluorine (F, a halogen) needs 8 electrons (not 7) in the outer shell to be stable.
• Group 15 elements need 8 electrons (not 5) in the outer shell to be stable.

Answer:

Sulfur is stable when its outer energy level has eight electrons.
Hydrogen is stable when its outer energy level has two electrons.
Group 17 elements are stable when their outer energy levels have eight electrons.