Final answer:
Atoms bond through interactions involving the valence shell, where valence electrons are transferred or shared to form stable configurations known as chemical bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atoms bond together through the interactions of electrons on their outer shell. This shell is known as the valence shell and contains the valence electrons. These electrons are crucial in determining an atom's ability to bond with other atoms. Chemical bonds, such as ionic and covalent bonds, involve either the giving up, receiving, or sharing of these valence electrons to achieve a full valence shell, which leads to increased stability for the atom.
In the quest for stability, elements with incomplete valence shells engage in chemical reactions. For example, in ionic bonding, electrons are transferred, creating ions with full valence shells. During covalent bonding, atoms share electrons in their valence shells to reach a stable configuration. These interactions are governed by the rules of chemical bonding and are essential for the formation of molecules.