How do atoms form a new substance?

Question

Responses

by losing neutrons to each other

by losing neutrons to each other

by losing electrons

by losing electrons

by sharing electrons with each other

by sharing electrons with each other

by gaining electrons from each other

by gaining electrons from each other

Answer 1

Atoms can form a new substance through several processes, primarily involving the interaction of their electrons:

1. By losing electrons: This occurs in the formation of ions, where atoms can lose electrons to become positively charged (cations). This often happens in metal atoms.

2. By gaining electrons: Atoms can also gain electrons to become negatively charged (anions). This generally occurs with nonmetals.

3. By sharing electrons: This is common in covalent bonding, where atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve stability in their outer electron shell. This is typical of nonmetal atoms.

In summary, the formation of new substances typically involves the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms, rather than the loss or transfer of neutrons.

Answer 2

choose one of the answers above

Answer 3

The most appropriate answer from the provided options is:

by sharing electrons with each other

This describes the process of covalent bonding, which is a primary way that atoms form new substances.