There are three different ways for this. Elements can either gain electrons or lose electrons or share electrons and attain a stable noble gas electronic configuration.
Ions are formed when elements gain or lose electrons.
Atoms will gain, lose, or share electrons to match the number of outer shell electrons of a noble gas.
The elements with the smallest atomic radii are found in the top of the P block of the periodic table. Helium (He) has the smallest atomic radius. Francium, on the other side of the periodic table (very bottom of the S block), has the largest atomic radius.
Elements acquire a stable atomic structure like that of a noble gas by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell. This full outer shell results in a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases, which have complete valence electron shells. This stability is achieved by attaining a full outer electron shell and minimizing electron repulsion.
Some common trace elements found in stable minerals include titanium, manganese, strontium, and chromium. These elements are usually present in very low concentrations compared to the major elements in the mineral structure.
The number of elements is directly related to the structure of the atom through the number of protons in the nucleus, known as the atomic number. Each element has a unique atomic number, which determines its identity and properties. This atomic structure also influences the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus, affecting chemical behavior and reactivity. Thus, the number of elements reflects the diversity of atomic structures found in nature.
STABLE all the way!
The atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of all the stable isotopes of the element (if it has any), weighted by the natural occurrence levels of the isotopes in the elements as found on earth or in the atmosphere.
The element with atomic numbers 43 (Technetium) and 61 (Promethium) are unique because they are the only radioactive elements before the start of the bulk of the radioactive elements. The bulk of the radioactive elements begins at atomic number 84 (Polonium). These are significant as they aren't primordial and are only found due to radioactive decay.
Copper is itself a chemical element. Symbol, Cu; atomic number, 29.
The elements that are most commonly found in nature and considered stable are those with a balanced number of protons and neutrons in their nucleus, such as carbon-12, oxygen-16, and nitrogen-14. Elements with atomic numbers beyond lead (element 82) tend to be unstable and can undergo radioactive decay.
These elements are found after uranium.