The octet rule states that, in chemical compounds, atoms tend to have

A) the electron configuration of a halogen.

B) more protons than electrons.

C) more electrons than protons.

D) eight electrons in their principal energy level.

E) filled f sublevels.

The Octet rule states that, in chemical compounds, atoms tend to have eight electrons in their principal energy level. The correct answer is D.

atoms have electrons filled into energy shells.

octet rule is when the outermost energy shell has eight electrons making the element stable.

atoms with incompletely filled energy shells take part in chemical bonds where the atoms will either donate electrons, take in electrons or share electrons with other atoms to fill their outermost energy shell with 8 electrons and become stable.

therefore correct answer for octet rule is

D) eight electrons in their principal energy level