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n atom “likes” to obtain a full outer shell. The fourth shell (in the atoms that we are studying today) can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Think: Energetically, would the atom above “prefer” to give away its valence electrons or borrow some from another atom in order to fill its outer shell? Explain your reasoning

User Kirill K
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It depends on how many electrons are already in the outer shell.

If it is a large amount (if it is almost to the maximum), then it will want to borrow from another atom.

But if it is close to empty then it will want to give away so it will go back to the inner ring with will be full.

Hope this helps, good luck!

User Charles Ingalls
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