What determines the type and number of bonds atoms will form
Electron configuration
The type and number of bonds formed by atoms are determined by the electronic configuration of the atoms, their electronegativity values, and the availability of valence electrons.
1. Electronic Configuration: The number of valence electrons in an atom’s outermost energy shell determines its reactivity with other atoms. Atoms with incomplete outermost shells tend to react with other atoms to complete their valence shells by either giving, receiving, or sharing electrons.
2. Electronegativity: The tendency of an atom to attract the electrons towards itself is called its electronegativity. Atoms with higher electronegativity tend to attract electrons towards themselves more strongly than those with lower electronegativity. When atoms with high and low electronegativity combine, they form polar covalent or ionic bonds.
3. Availability of Valence Electrons: The availability of valence electrons in atoms also determines the number of bonds that atoms can form. Typically, atoms either share or exchange electrons to form covalent or ionic bonds, respectively.
Thus, the type and number of bonds atoms will form depend upon both the electronic configuration of the atom and its electronegativity, along with the availability of valence electrons.
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