atoms gain/lose electrons and become ions. Why is this important to the formation of compounds?
2007-01-15 12:16:32 · 4 answers · asked by WaitingForAnswers 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
This is the driving force in the formation of compounds. This is why chemicals react.
Atoms will lose or gain electrons to achieve the same number of valence electrons as the nearest noble gas. This gives them some chemical stability.
When atoms lose or gain electrons they become ions. Ionic compounds are held together by the opposite charges of the ions in that compound.
2007-01-15 13:44:29 · answer #1 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there is a thing called the ionic bond. When atoms bond this way they share electrons in order to gain a full outer shell. Then they become ions because of the loss and gain of electrons.
2007-01-15 20:23:21 · answer #2 · answered by Luke Vader 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those compounds (called ionic compounds) must have opposing charges in order for any atomic attraction to take place. If there is no attraction, then there cannot be any connection between the two atoms that can balance out the electrons in their outermost valences.
2007-01-15 20:22:41 · answer #3 · answered by icehoundxx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ions want to form compounds because they are not balanced, they have a charge. So they combine with oppositely charged ions or molecules they share electrons with.
2007-01-15 20:22:50 · answer #4 · answered by Lizrd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋