In forming compounds, atoms are engaged in either gaining or losing electrons. They may also share electrons, but that is also a form of gaining or losing electrons.
gain
they can do both
When atoms lose and gain electrons, an ionic bond will form. When atoms share electrons, a covalent bond will form.
This depends on the electronegativity of atoms.
ion
gain
gain
Some atoms lose electrons, some gain electrons, and some share electrons depending on what elements are involved and what compound is forming.
Lose
No. Atoms of an element lose or gain electrons to form ions.
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.
When atoms lose or gain electrons, they form ions. These are charged particles.
Oxygen molecules tend to prefer covalent bonding when forming compounds. This means that they will share electrons more readily. However, when forming an ionic compound, they will usually gain electrons rather than losing them.
they can do both
A carbon atom can participate in both losing and gaining electrons, but it typically likes to share electrons by forming covalent bonds with other atoms. Carbon can form a variety of compounds through these covalent bonds, which allow for a diverse range of chemical reactions and structures.
Sulfur can both gain and lose electrons when forming ions. It can gain two electrons to form a sulfide ion (S2-) or lose two electrons to form a sulfide ion (S2+).
They try to lose usually.