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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 :)

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14y ago

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When atoms lose or gain electrons they from?

When atoms lose or gain electrons, they form ions. These are charged particles.


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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.


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


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.


What is a reason for atoms to not gain lose or share electrons?

This depends on the electronegativity of atoms.