Which of the following is not a way an atom can achieve stability?
A. Lose electrons to achieve a noble gas configuration
B. Share electrons to abide by the octet rule
C. Gain electrons to fill its outer energy level
D. Remove electrons from its full outer energy level
The answer is D. An atom WANTS to have a full outer energy level, or to form strong bonds to achieve stability. The answer can't be C, because filling the outermost energy level will make the atom the most stable.