Why do compounds form in nature?

• A. Because atoms combine to achieve greater stability by attaining a lower energy state
• B. Because compounds are formed only when atoms lose all their electrons
• C. Because compounds form to increase the energy of the system
• D. Because atoms always prefer to remain in their elemental form

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms form compounds primarily to achieve greater stability. This stability is often reached by atoms attaining a lower energy state.
2. Recall that atoms tend to fill their outer electron shells to reach a stable electronic configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration. This is known as the octet rule for many elements.
3. Recognize that when atoms combine, they share, lose, or gain electrons to complete their valence shells, resulting in chemical bonds that lower the overall energy of the system.
4. Note that compounds do not form because atoms lose all their electrons; rather, they rearrange electrons to achieve stability.
5. Conclude that atoms do not always prefer to remain in their elemental form because forming compounds often leads to a more stable, lower-energy arrangement.