Why do atoms bond with other atoms?

• A. To increase their atomic number
• B. To achieve a more stable electron configuration, often by attaining a full valence shell
• C. To decrease their mass
• D. To become electrically charged

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms bond with other atoms primarily to achieve greater stability in their electron arrangement.
2. Recall that atoms are most stable when they have a full valence shell, which usually means having eight electrons in their outermost shell (the octet rule), except for some elements like hydrogen and helium which are stable with two electrons.
3. Recognize that atoms can achieve a full valence shell by sharing, gaining, or losing electrons through different types of chemical bonds such as covalent, ionic, or metallic bonds.
4. Note that increasing atomic number or decreasing mass are not reasons for bonding; these are nuclear properties and do not change during chemical bonding.
5. Understand that atoms do not bond to become electrically charged; rather, bonding often results in atoms achieving a neutral or more stable charge distribution.