Chemistry Review #9

9.  The octet rule is a rule which states that elements like to have their valence shells completely full, which gives them the same composition as a noble gas. 

a.  In order for an element to achieve an octet and mimic the composition of a noble gas, the valence shell must be full.

B  Elements with only one shell, the rule of the first shell of electrons or s orbitals, defies the octet rule.  Within this rule, helium, hydrogen and Lithium; helium is content with its two electrons filling the first shell, hydrogen needs to gain one to fill its shell, and lithium also needs to gain one to fill its shell.

c.  Elements in the 3,4,5,6, and 7 periods can expand their octet because their electrons can absorb more energy and move to a higher energy level.   

Iowa Caucus

Mitt Romney beat out Rick Santorum in the Iowa Caucus yesterday, and in the article the author wondered or asked the question why there was no recount.  The author goes on to explain that caucus’ are just to see how each state is going to vote and which candidates are doing well and vice versa; it serves as a guide.  If this is true then there should be no reason for any of the candidates to drop-out, in fact if they are falling behind in the race at this time I would believe that it would give them more motivation and to try to work harder to gain the republican nomination.  Yet, Michelle Bauchmann dropped out of the race losing in the Iowa Caucus.  But for what reason?  Senator John McCain, after placing 4^th in the Iowa caucus, made a comeback and won the Republican nomination back in 2008.  Our representatives, running for Republican nomination, should use this only as a tool and to judge where they are so they can become stronger from it, and nothing more than that.  And if candidates do dropout after just a guideline vote, then how can we expect them to run a country?  When it gets to hard will they quit?  So maybe this is more than just a guideline vote.