Why do atoms 'want' a full outer shell?

Subject: Why do atoms 'want' a full outer shell?

Date: Tue Feb 10 11:07:40 2004
Posted by Matt
Grade level: 10-12 School: Lady Manners School
City: Bakewell State/Province: Derbyshire Country: England
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1076432860.Ph

Message:


Why do atoms 'want a full outer shell? We are taught that this is why 
reactions take place and ions are formed - because electrons are being 
exchanged in an effort to gain a stable state as a 'full outer shell 
electrons'. But why do they want to have a full outer shell?

Re: Why do atoms 'want' a full outer shell?

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