Multiple Choice
How many electrons are present in an O^{2-} ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Why do atoms gain or lose electrons?
A
To achieve a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases
B
To increase their atomic number
C
To change their mass number
D
To become radioactive
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atoms gain or lose electrons primarily to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
Recognize that noble gases have a full outer electron shell, which makes them very stable and unreactive.
Atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to fill or empty their outermost electron shell, mimicking the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.
This process does not change the atomic number (number of protons) or the mass number (protons + neutrons) of the atom, only the number of electrons.
Becoming radioactive involves changes in the nucleus, not electron transfer, so gaining or losing electrons is unrelated to radioactivity.
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