When an atom loses an electron to become a positively-charged ion, this is indicated by a plus sign after the element symbol for example, Na +. As a result of losing a negatively-charged electron, they become positively-charged ions. This means that they can achieve a stable configuration and a filled outer shell by donating or losing an electron. In comparison, the group 1 elements, including hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), and sodium (Na), all have one electron in their outermost shells. Their non-reactivity has resulted in their being named the inert gases (or noble gases). As shown in, the group 18 atoms helium (He), neon (Ne), and argon (Ar) all have filled outer electron shells, making it unnecessary for them to gain or lose electrons to attain stability they are highly stable as single atoms. The periodic table is arranged in columns and rows based on the number of electrons and where these electrons are located, providing a tool to understand how electrons are distributed in the outer shell of an atom. Elements in other groups have partially-filled valence shells and gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.Īn atom may gain or lose electrons to achieve a full valence shell, the most stable electron configuration. A full valence shell is the most stable electron configuration. Group 18 elements (helium, neon, and argon are shown) have a full outer, or valence, shell. \):īohr diagrams indicate how many electrons fill each principal shell.
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