Stable Configuration

Definition

A stable configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels that results in the lowest possible energy. It is achieved when all the electron orbitals are filled according to the rules of electron configuration.

Related terms

Valence Electrons:

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom's electron cloud. They determine how an atom will bond with other atoms.

Octet Rule:

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve a stable configuration with eight valence electrons.

Noble Gases:

Noble gases are elements found in Group 18 of the periodic table. They have a full set of valence electrons (8) and are known for their stability and lack of reactivity due to their already achieved stable configurations.