Which element is able to achieve stability in a compound without achieving an octet of electrons? a bromine b magnesium c oxygen d hydrogen

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify which element can achieve stability in a compound without having an octet of electrons. The octet rule is a chemical rule of thumb that reflects the theory that atoms are more stable when they have eight electrons in their valence shell. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's examine each option:<br /><br />### a) Bromine (Br)<br />Bromine is a halogen and typically forms compounds where it achieves an octet of electrons.<br /><br />### b) Magnesium (Mg)<br />Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal and tends to lose two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, which is often considered to be a full outer shell, similar to the nearest noble gas.<br /><br />### c) Oxygen (O)<br />Oxygen is a nonmetal and typically forms compounds where it achieves an octet of electrons.<br /><br />### d) Hydrogen (H)<br />Hydrogen is unique among the elements because it can achieve stability with only two electrons in its valence shell, which is the same number of electrons in the outer shell of helium, the nearest noble gas.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Based on the above analysis, the element that can achieve stability without an octet of electrons is hydrogen.