Question

Which atom generally obtains a stable configuration by sharing electrons?
A. lithium (Li)
B. magnesium (Mg)
C. phosphorus
D. chlorine

Answer 1

The atom that generally obtains a stable configuration by sharing electrons is **D. chlorine**.

Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal that tends to gain or share electrons to achieve a full outer shell, which corresponds to a stable electronic configuration similar to that of noble gases. While phosphorus (C) can also share electrons, chlorine is more renowned for forming covalent bonds through electron sharing.

Lithium (Li) and magnesium (Mg) typically lose electrons to achieve stability, rather than sharing them.