Why does an atom with many valence electrons tend to gain electrons rather than lose any?

• A. Because gaining electrons decreases the atomic radius significantly.
• B. Because losing electrons requires less energy than gaining them for atoms with many valence electrons.
• C. Because gaining electrons allows the atom to achieve a stable, full valence shell similar to noble gases.
• D. Because atoms with many valence electrons have a low electronegativity.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of valence electrons: These are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and determine how an atom interacts chemically.
2. Recall the octet rule: Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full valence shell, usually consisting of 8 electrons, which is a stable configuration similar to noble gases.
3. Consider atoms with many valence electrons (typically 5 or more): Losing electrons would mean removing a large number of electrons, which requires a lot of energy and is generally unfavorable.
4. Recognize that gaining a few electrons to complete the valence shell is energetically more favorable for these atoms, as it leads to a stable electronic configuration.
5. Therefore, atoms with many valence electrons tend to gain electrons rather than lose them because gaining electrons allows them to achieve a full, stable valence shell.