How do valence electrons impact the type of bonds an atom makes?

Question

A. A large number of valence electrons means the atom will share electrons; a small number of valence electrons leads to transferring from one atom to another
B. An atom wants an empty outer shell of valence electrons, so it will either transfer or share electrons depending on what the other atom needs
C. A small number of valence electrons means the atom will share electrons; a large number of valence electrons leads to transferring from one atom to another
D. An atom want a full outer shell of valence electrons, so it will either transfer or share electrons depending on what the other atom needs

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. An atom wants a full outer shell of valence electrons, so it will either transfer or share electrons depending on what the other atom needs.

This statement accurately describes the behavior of atoms regarding their valence electrons. Atoms tend to be more stable when they have a full outer shell, which is typically eight electrons for most elements (following the octet rule). To achieve this stability, atoms can either transfer electrons (leading to ionic bonds) or share electrons (leading to covalent bonds) with other atoms depending on the circumstances and the types of elements involved.