Does the octet rule mean that a diatomic molecule has 16 valence electrons? Select from the following:

A. Yes, each atom has 8 valence electrons. Two atoms, with 8 electrons each, is 16 valence electrons.

B. No, the octet rule means there are always 8 valence electrons and only 8 valence electrons.

C. Most of the time there are 16 valence electrons, but there are exceptions to the octet rule (odd-electron species, expanded octets, etc.) that could make it more or less than 16.

D. No, the octet rule means there are 8 valence electrons around each atom, but bonding electrons get counted for the atoms on both sides of the bond, so there are normally fewer than 16 valence electrons unless there is an expanded octet.