Question

When atoms bond together, they tend to lose gain, or share electrons to have their outermost energy level resemble that of the nearest *


a) Halogen


b) Transition element


c) Alkali metal


d) noble gas


Justify your answer

Answer 1

Answer:

d) noble gas

Justification:

Each element tries to make its external energy sublevel complete. To do this, the number of electrons at this sublevel must be equal to 8. For example, potassium K has 1 electron at the external sublevel. Therefore, it is easier for him to give this electron, then the number of levels will decrease, and at the last level there will be 8 electrons. Oxygen has About 6 electrons on the outer sublevel, so it is easier for it to add the missing 2 electrons. Then it will also have 8 electrons, the outer sublevel will be filled. Noble gases have a special situation. They already have the desired 8 electrons. Therefore, they do not need to give or receive electrons. That is why the atoms of these substances are stable, and the gases themselves are very reluctant to enter into chemical reactions.