1c. Why do atoms bond together?

Why don't some atoms do NOT bond with others?

Some atoms are very reluctant to combine with other atoms and exist in the air around us as single atoms.

These are the Noble Gases and have very stable electron arrangements e.g. 2, 2,8 and 2,8,8 because their outer shells are full.

The first three are shown in the diagrams below and explains why Noble Gases are so reluctant to form compounds with other elements.

All other atoms therefore, bond together to become electronically more stable, that is to become like Noble Gases in electron arrangement.

Bonding produces new substances and usually involves only the 'outer shell' or 'valency' electrons and atoms can bond in two ways.

As explained above, NOBLE GASES are very reluctant to share, gain or lose electrons to form a chemical bond ie they do NOT readily form a covalent or ionic bond with other atoms.

This is because Noble gases are already electronically very stable because of their particular electron arrangement with a full outer shell.

e.g. 2,  2.8 and 2.8.8 etc.

For most other elements the types of bonding and the resulting properties of the elements or compounds are described in detail in Parts 2 to 5.

In some of the electronic diagrams ONLY the outer electrons are shown, but you will come across a wide variety of electronic details diagrams and 2D and 3D models of ionic, covalent and metallic structures.

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