IONS
In order to become stable elements want the stable electron arrangement as their nearest
Noble gas (8 Outer electrons, 2 for Li & Be)
Elements obtain the stable electron arrangement of the noble gases by forming charged
particles called IONS.
Remember that a neutral atom will have the same number of protons as electrons, as they
balance each other out. This means that by emptying or filling the valence shell, you will
disrupt this balance, and form either a positive or negative atom. These are ions.
It is important to realise that stable and neutral are not the same thing. A stable electron
arrangement can only be achieved by adding or removing electrons, and thus stable
electron systems will not be found on neutral atoms. The only exceptions to this are the
noble gases, as they have already got full valence shells, and equivalent numbers of protons
in their nuclei.