Final answer:
An atom with atomic number 12 will tend to accept or share electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical behavior of an atom is largely determined by the behavior of the electrons in its valence shell. Atoms with eight electrons in their valence shell tend to be stable and are unlikely to participate in chemical reactions, while atoms with fewer than eight electrons in their valence shell tend to accept, donate, or share electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration.
An atom with atomic number 12, such as carbon, has six electrons in its valence shell. Carbon will tend to form chemical bonds with other elements by either accepting or sharing electrons, depending on the specific situation.