Atoms gain, lose, or share valence electrons in an effort to achieve a stable electron configuration in their outermost energy level. The stable electron configuration consists of a full, or nearly full, valence shell.
The valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom, and they are involved in chemical bonding and reactions. When an atom gains, loses, or shares valence electrons, it is aiming to fill or empty its valence shell, following the octet rule.
According to the octet rule, atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to obtain a total of eight valence electrons in their outermost energy level, resembling the electron configuration of a noble gas. Noble gases have complete valence shells with eight valence electrons, making them highly stable and chemically inert.
Atoms with incomplete valence shells will gain or lose electrons to reach stability. For example, metals tend to lose electrons and form cations (positively charged ions) in order to achieve a stable configuration. Nonmetals tend to gain electrons and form anions (negatively charged ions) to attain stability.
In some cases, atoms can share valence electrons with other atoms through covalent bonding. This occurs when two or more atoms share a pair of electrons, allowing each atom to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Overall, the gaining, losing, or sharing of valence electrons by atoms allows them to attain a more stable configuration and increase their overall stability.
Why do atoms gain, lose or share valence electrons? (page 4)
1 answer
1 answer