Which statement best explains why atoms form chemical bonds with other atoms?

• A. Atoms form chemical bonds to become radioactive.
• B. Atoms form chemical bonds to decrease their mass number.
• C. Atoms form chemical bonds to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often by attaining a full valence shell.
• D. Atoms form chemical bonds to increase their atomic number.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms form chemical bonds primarily to achieve greater stability.
2. Recall that stability in atoms is often related to having a full valence electron shell, which corresponds to a lower energy state.
3. Recognize that atoms do not form bonds to become radioactive, decrease their mass number, or increase their atomic number, as these processes involve nuclear changes, not chemical bonding.
4. Focus on the concept that chemical bonding allows atoms to share, lose, or gain electrons to complete their outermost electron shell, following the octet rule for many elements.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that atoms form chemical bonds to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often by attaining a full valence shell.