Question

The combination of atoms occurs because they want:

• A. to decrease number of electrons in the outer most orbit
• B. to attain an inert gas configuration
• C. to increase number of electrons in the outer most orbit
• D. to attain 18 electrons in the outermost orbit

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

to attain an inert gas configuration

The combination of atoms occurs because they want to attain an inert gas configuration, that leads to stability. For example- In an oxygen $\left(O_2\right)$ molecule both the oxygen atoms are bonded covalently, they have attained stable electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas, i.e. Ne.

Therefore, option (B) is correct.