How can atoms with fewer than 8 valence electrons fill their outermost energy level? (If you can, can you please help me use either sulfur or magnesium to explain the process please?) Thank You!
2 answers
They can either share electrons with other atoms (forming covalent bonds) or gain/lose electrons with other atoms (forming ionic bonds).
An atom of sulfer has six valence electrons. It can have eight valence electrons by sharing two electrons with or gaining two electrons from other atoms.
1 answer