How does the octet rule relate how active an element is?

Answer 1

The octet rule states that all elements form ions to reach 8 valance electrons, or the nearest noble gas. If an element is a noble gas, it already has 8 valance electrons, therefore does not need to form ions to bond with other ions, thus becoming un-reactive.

Answer 2

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration with 8 electrons in the outermost shell. Elements that already have a complete octet, such as noble gases, are stable and less likely to form chemical bonds, making them less reactive. Conversely, elements that do not have a complete octet in their outer shell are more likely to react with other elements to achieve stability, thus they are more reactive.