Which of the following statements best explains why atoms bond?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms bond primarily to achieve greater stability, which is often related to their electron configurations.
2. Recall that atoms tend to form bonds in order to complete their valence electron shells, reaching a stable arrangement similar to that of noble gases.
3. Recognize that increasing atomic number or decreasing mass number are nuclear changes, not reasons for chemical bonding.
4. Note that becoming radioactive involves nuclear instability, which is unrelated to the chemical bonding process.
5. Conclude that the best explanation for why atoms bond is to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically by filling their outermost electron shell.