Question

Check my answer!

Why do atoms form bonds?

A. to increase the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus
B. to decrease the number of electron shells in an atom
C. to transfer electron shells between atoms
D. to create a completely full outer shell of electrons

My answer: C. or D.

@matt101 @lmtiaz7

Answer 1

It's D in this case

Answer 2

Thanks. And how do you know?

Answer 3

@matt101 ^^^

Answer 4

Because of the octet rule. Atoms form bonds in order to fill their outer shells with 8 electrons.

For instance, oxygen has 6 electrons in its outer shell, so it needs two 2 to get 8. It will form 2 bonds, so that way the 2 new electrons it receives from those bonds will fill its outer shell. Nitrogen has 5 electrons, and so it forms 3 bonds to get another 3 electrons to make 8. The noble gases already have 8 electrons in their outer shells, so they're happy the way they are and don't form bonds or react.

Answer 5

Oh! Okay! Thanks! :)