Basics of Atoms & Bonding and Chemical Reactions

What makes an Atom Stable? Lets find out!

Atoms are stable when they have 8 valence electrons.
Valence Electrons are the electrons that have the highest energy level and are loosely held.
Two things can happen when atoms react: It either can gain electrons to eight and become stable or lose electrons.
When these reactions happen atoms become chemically combined, which is, bonded to other atoms.
A chemical Bond, is the force of attraction that holds two or more atoms together.

The Reactivity of Elements related to Valence Electrons

The closer the valence electrons get to eight less reactive they will be.
For example the Halogens which have 7 valence electrons.
This happens because the closer you get to eight, you need less valence electrons to become stable.
However the alkali family is VERY reactive because it only has 1 valence electron so it is easy for it to lose an electron.
The alkaline family has 2 valence electrons but isn't as reactive as the alkali family.

The first image (Lithium) has one valence electron.

The second images(neon) has 8 valence electrons.

The first image represents the Alkali Family and the Noble Gases.

The second image shows the valence electrons.