How does the concept of 'octet rule' help explain chemical bonding?

A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve eight electrons in their outermost electron shell, making them stable like noble gases. This tendency drives the formation of chemical bonds (ionic or covalent) as atoms strive to reach this stable electron configuration, thus explaining why and how elements combine.

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