How do two or more elements combine to form a compound?

Answer 1

go 2 wikipedia

Answer 2

Atoms form compounds by sharing electrons to create full-levels which keeps them balanced and uniform. The first level is 2 electrons, the second is 8, the third is 18, and it keeps growing from there. The bonds explain different ways the electrons can be used between the multiple atoms. Covalent bonds are when electrons are 'shared'. Hydrogen bonding is a form of covalent bonding except it pretty much just deals with how hydrogen only has 1 electron. For example, take water for instance (H2O). Oxygen has 6 electrons in its natural state and hydrogen each have one. If hydrogen holds hands with oxygen then the hydrogen is happy because its lowest level (2) is full. Another hydrogen atom comes along and share it's electron, now each hydrogen atom has 2 elecrons and the oxygen has 8. But why does oxygen want 8 and now 2? Well I forgot the answer to that. Something like 8 is really the 'first' level or something like that.

Then there are ionic bonds when the electrons are just given/taken away and theres no sharing at all. This creates positive and negative atoms because now it has an unbalanced charge between protons and electrons (called ions). Metallic bonding deals with metals and how they conduct electricity. These metal atoms are binded together and have extra electrons that just flow through the entire block of material which is why metals conduct electricity (the movement of electrons).

So to some up why atoms bond, its to form complete enegry levels in order to be balance and at peace with themselves.

Answer 3

Through something called electron bonds.

Certain atoms have the "need" to fill the outer "shells" or "orbitals" of their atomic structure. When 2 of these atoms are in close proximity, they will bond, and share electrons in their outer shells, usually satisfying filling both "needs" for a full shell.

That's the 'short-and-sweet' explanation. Anything more -- you should get a H.S. chemistry book and study up on the subject. It's not that hard.

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Answer 4

they bind..ionic or covalent bonds...ionic bonds don't share electrons, covalent bonds share electrons..