What element needs 2 electrons to achieve stability according to the HONC mnemonic?

What element needs 2 electrons to achieve stability according to the HONC mnemonic?

• A. Hydrogen
• B. Oxygen
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Carbon

Answer: (B)

The HONC mnemonic provides a helpful way to remember the typical number of bonds that hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon commonly form to achieve stability. In this context, oxygen is represented by the number "2," indicating that it requires two electrons to complete its valence shell and reach a stable electronic configuration. Oxygen has six electrons in its outer shell and needs two additional electrons to fill the shell to a total of eight electrons. This is in accordance with the octet rule, which states that elements tend to bond in such a manner that they can attain a full outer shell configuration, resulting in greater stability. Thus, when considering the HONC mnemonic, oxygen's need for two electrons is a key principle that aligns perfectly with its chemical behavior and reactivity. The other options represent elements that require either one (hydrogen), three (nitrogen), or four (carbon) electrons to achieve stability, which does not match the requirement for oxygen.

The HONC mnemonic provides a helpful way to remember the typical number of bonds that hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon commonly form to achieve stability. In this context, oxygen is represented by the number "2," indicating that it requires two electrons to complete its valence shell and reach a stable electronic configuration.

Oxygen has six electrons in its outer shell and needs two additional electrons to fill the shell to a total of eight electrons. This is in accordance with the octet rule, which states that elements tend to bond in such a manner that they can attain a full outer shell configuration, resulting in greater stability. Thus, when considering the HONC mnemonic, oxygen's need for two electrons is a key principle that aligns perfectly with its chemical behavior and reactivity.

The other options represent elements that require either one (hydrogen), three (nitrogen), or four (carbon) electrons to achieve stability, which does not match the requirement for oxygen.