Can anyone explain why atoms are more stable in their neutral form if most neutral atoms release energy when they gain an electron?
In: Chemistry
Most atom’s *aren’t* the most stable in their neutral form. I’m assuming by “neutral” you mean “neutrally charged with no electron sharing to anybody else.”
If they were, you’d see elemental and atomic everything sitting around in nature but that’s actually pretty unusual. Many atoms at least like to double-up with their partner into diatomic molecules (e.g. nitrogen) and a lot more like to react with anything they can find to get to a more stable state (e.g. oxygen). Elemental metals are very rare in nature, that’s why refining ore is such a pain. Stuff that doesn’t react at all, like gold or neon, are relatively uncommon.
Most atoms are stable when their electron shells are filled…for some atoms that means gaining an electron (or two or three), for some it means losing one (or two or three).
Most atoms aren’t stable in their neutral form. Oxygen immediately forms O2, Carbon forms graphite and diamond, the halogens form pretty much anything else.
Latest Answers