What is the maximum number of electrons that the valence shell of any atom can hold?

The maximum number of electrons that the valence shell of any atom can hold is eight. This concept is grounded in the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to have eight electrons in their outermost shell. This arrangement mirrors the electron configuration of noble gases, which are stable and non-reactive due to having full valence shells.

Understanding the importance of this capacity helps explain why chemical reactions occur. Atoms with fewer than eight electrons in their outer shell are more likely to react in order to achieve a stable configuration. For example, oxygen with six valence electrons will usually share electrons with two hydrogen atoms (like in water) to fill its valence shell.

The other options indicate values that exceed or fall short of this principal maximum for valence electrons, which do not align with the established principles of atomic structure in chemistry.