Which statement best explains how chemical bonding helps atoms achieve stability?

• A. Bonding causes atoms to lose all their electrons.
• B. Bonding increases the atomic number of each atom involved.
• C. Bonding makes atoms radioactive and more stable.
• D. Bonding allows atoms to attain a full valence electron shell, similar to noble gases.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms seek stability by having a full valence electron shell, which is often achieved by having eight electrons in their outermost shell (the octet rule), similar to noble gases.
2. Recognize that chemical bonding involves atoms sharing, gaining, or losing electrons to complete their valence shells, rather than losing all electrons or changing their atomic number.
3. Recall that ionic bonds form when atoms transfer electrons to achieve full valence shells, while covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons to fill their valence shells.
4. Note that chemical bonding does not make atoms radioactive; radioactivity is related to nuclear changes, not electron arrangements.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that bonding allows atoms to attain a full valence electron shell, which leads to greater stability.