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That depends on the atom. But the basic rule is that the atoms on the left of the Periodic Table lose valence electrons in reactions, and the ones on the right gain electrons. This is because an atom always wants full outer shells.
The atoms on the very right already have full shells, and don't react with anything. These are called noble gases (they're too noble to be with other atoms, get it? :P). The ones on the very left (alkali metals) only have 1 valence electron, so for them it's easier to give away an electron to make their outer shell full. The atoms on the second right (halogens) need 1 electron, so they easily get one in a reaction.
NaCl (sodium chloride) is a good example. Here the sodium (Na) atom has one more than it needs, and chlorine (Cl) needs one more. They work perfect together, and together they make the salt that you have in your kitchen :)
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Atoms can both lose and gain electrons. Atoms with fewer electrons in their outer shell tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while atoms with more electrons in their outer shell tend to gain electrons. This process is essential for forming chemical bonds between atoms.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoOnly when prompted to react with another. I don't know a lot about chemistry but i know that there is a reactivity scale and if one atom is less reactive than the other, there will be no reaction and thus, no loss or gain of electrons. So yes and no.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agothey most commonly lose electrons:)
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Do atoms join by a covalent bond do not gain or lose electrons?
Atoms that join by a covalent bond share electrons but do not gain or lose them. In a covalent bond, the electrons are shared between the atoms, creating a stable electron configuration for both atoms involved.
Which of the following statements are true about whether atoms tend to gain or lose electrons?
Atoms with eight valence electrons usually do not gain or lose electrons. Atoms with one, two, or three valence electrons will lose electrons.
Hat are charged particles the form when atoms gain or lose electrons?
Charged particles that form when atoms gain or lose electrons are called ions. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion (anion). When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation).
When atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons they can be best described as what?
When atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons, they are best described as becoming ions. Ions are charged particles that are formed through the process of gaining or losing electrons.
When atoms gain or lose electrons the charged particles that result are called molecules?
Atoms that gain or lose electrons become ions, not molecules. Ions are charged particles due to an imbalance of protons and electrons. Molecules are formed when atoms are bonded together by sharing electrons.
When atoms lose or gain electrons they from?
When atoms lose or gain electrons, they form ions. These are charged particles.
When atoms combine what do they gain or lose?
They gain or lose electrons, while the atoms combine.
Do atoms lose protons but seldom lose or gain electrons?
Atoms typically do not lose protons because that would change the identity of the element. Instead, atoms can lose or gain electrons to form ions with a different charge. Protons are not generally lost by atoms in chemical reactions.
Hat are charged particles the form when atoms gain or lose electrons?
Charged particles that form when atoms gain or lose electrons are called ions. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion (anion). When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation).
Can atoms lose or gain atoms to form elements?
No. Atoms of an element lose or gain electrons to form ions.
What chemical bond occurs when atoms lose gain or share electrons?
When atoms lose and gain electrons, an ionic bond will form. When atoms share electrons, a covalent bond will form.
Why do you think atoms lose electrons to or gain electrons from other atoms?
to become stable
Do atoms lose and gain electrons when a new substance is forming?
Some atoms lose electrons, some gain electrons, and some share electrons depending on what elements are involved and what compound is forming.
What forms when atoms gain electrons Lose electrons?
An ionic bond.
What atoms tend to gain two electrons to form a anion?
se and sometimes gain electrons. Atoms with eight valence electrons do not easily lose electrons
Which atoms that gain or lose an electron?
For example metals loss electrons and nonmetals gain electrons.
When atoms lose or gain electrons they are called what?
ion
