Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 0988 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Octet Rule
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The idea
The octet rule states that main-group atoms tend to bond so each ends up with eight valence electrons, matching the nearest noble gas.
In practice
Chlorine gains one shared electron pair in HCl, completing its octet at eight valence electrons.
Where people slip
The octet rule is a strong tendency for main-group elements, not an absolute law — Chem 0995 and Chem 0997 cover its structural exceptions.
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