ns are exceptions to the octet rule by having an expanded octet Which characteristic is needed for an ato expanded octet? tom has empty d-orbitals. tom has more than eight valence electrons before bonding. tom has empty p-orbitals. tom has fewer than eight valence electrons after bonding

## Step 1<br />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. This is because having eight electrons in the valence shell is the most stable configuration for an atom.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as the noble gases, which have eight electrons in their valence shell and are stable. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />Some elements, particularly those in the third period and below, can have more than eight electrons in their valence shell. This is known as an expanded octet.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The ability to have an expanded octet is due to the availability of d-orbitals. These d-orbitals are additional orbitals that can accommodate more than eight electrons.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Therefore, the characteristic needed for an atom to have an expanded octet is that it has empty d-orbitals.