Question

What are the different ways for an atom to attain stability?

Answer 1

Atom:

1. An atom consists of two parts: Nucleus and shells.
2. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons while the shells contain electrons.
3. An atom is said to be unstable if its outermost shell does not have $8$ electrons i.e. if its octet is incomplete.
4. Such atoms tend to attain stability.

Different ways for an atom to attain stability are:

1. By sharing one or more electrons with other atoms. This results in the formation of a covalent bond between two atoms.
2. By gaining one or more electrons from other atom. Thus results in the formation of an anion.
3. By losing one or more electrons to other atom. Thus results in the formation of a cation.