Question

Select all of the correct ways to complete this statement: When atoms combine to form compounds, they can ______ blank electrons.

A. give up
B. accept
C. share
D. create

Answer 1

Atoms can give up, accept, or share electrons to form compounds, but they do not create new electrons. These processes are part of chemical bonding that leads to compounds with increased stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

When atoms combine to form compounds, they can engage in several possible interactions with their electrons. Specifically, they can:

• Give up electrons, known as ionization.
• Accept electrons, usually to attain a more stable electron configuration.
• Share electrons, which is the basis of covalent bonding.

However, atoms do not create new electrons during chemical reactions; they only redistribute the existing ones. This redistribution of electrons forms the basis of chemical bonding and the creation of compounds with lower overall energy and more stability compared to individual atoms.