Question #78785
Atoms prefer to have a filled outermost shell because this makes them more
Expert's answer
Answer
Atoms prefer to have a filled outermost shell because this makes them more stable.
Atoms react with each other to get the most stable state possible. A filled outermost shell (a
complete octet for s- and p-elements) is very stable because all orbitals are filled with
electrons. Stability of an atom is connected with its energy. Atoms with greater stability have
less energy. We can see this in chemical reactions: a reaction that increases the stability of the
atoms will release energy in the form of heat or light.
Atoms prefer to have a filled outermost shell because this makes them more stable.
Atoms react with each other to get the most stable state possible. A filled outermost shell (a
complete octet for s- and p-elements) is very stable because all orbitals are filled with
electrons. Stability of an atom is connected with its energy. Atoms with greater stability have
less energy. We can see this in chemical reactions: a reaction that increases the stability of the
atoms will release energy in the form of heat or light.
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