Question

Why do atoms form ions?


To have a full outershell of electrons.


To find a partner.


To lose an electron.

Answer 1

Atoms form ions primarily to achieve a full outer shell of electrons. This stability is often associated with the noble gases, which have complete outer electron shells. Atoms will either gain or lose electrons to reach this stable configuration.

- **To have a full outer shell of electrons**: This is the correct reason. Atoms tend to lose, gain, or share electrons to fill their outermost electron shell, achieving greater stability.

- **To find a partner**: This statement is less precise in the context of ionic bonding. While atoms can engage in chemical bonds with others (like covalent bonding), the formation of ions is not primarily about finding a partner but rather about achieving electronic stability.

- **To lose an electron**: This could be a part of the process for some atoms (especially metals) that tend to lose electrons to become positively charged ions (cations), but it doesn’t encompass all scenarios since some atoms gain electrons to become negatively charged ions (anions).

In summary, the primary reason atoms form ions is to achieve a stable electronic configuration with a full outer shell of electrons.