If there is more than one way for an atom to fill its valence shell, the atom will typically take the option requiring the _____________.

• A. Most energy
• B. Least energy
• C. Highest energy
• D. Equal energy

Answer: (B)

Atoms tend to fill their valence shells in the way that minimizes the system’s energy. The most stable arrangement is the one that requires the least energy, so electrons will occupy the lowest available energy orbitals and bonding patterns that lower the overall energy. When several routes can complete the valence shell, the path with the smallest energy requirement is favored, leading toward a stable, low-energy configuration (often resembling a noble-gas octet). Higher-energy arrangements are less favorable and generally not adopted unless extra energy is supplied.