Atoms become ____ in order to achieve a full outer orbital shell.
A) free radicals
B) ions
C) unstable
D) radioactive
E) covalents

Question

Atoms become ____ in order to achieve a full outer orbital shell.
A) ​free radicals
B) ​ions
C) ​unstable
D) ​radioactive
E) ​covalents

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When atoms gain or lose electrons, they become ions. This helps them achieve a full outer orbital shell and become more stable. Free radicals are atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons, which makes them unstable. Unstable atoms may be reactive, but do not necessarily become ions. Radioactive atoms experience spontaneous decay and emit particles or radiation. Covalent compounds involve atoms sharing electrons, but do not necessarily involve gaining or losing electrons to achieve a full outer shell.

Atoms Become ____ in Order to Achieve a Full Outer