What makes a compound more stable than another?

The greater the number of contributing structures, the more stable the molecule. This is because the more states at lower energy are available to the electrons in a particular molecule, the more stable the electrons are. Also the more volume electrons can occupy at lower energy the more stable the molecule is.

Why do elements become stable?

Originally Answered: Why is an atom stable? All atoms are eager to become octet-in which the total number of the electrons in the outermost shell is equal to eight (since 8 is the total no. of electrons the last shell can carry) and it cannot accept electrons anymore so it becomes stable.

Why does bonding make elements more stable?

To achieve greater stability, atoms will tend to completely fill their outer shells and will bond with other elements to accomplish this goal by sharing electrons, accepting electrons from another atom, or donating electrons to another atom.

What makes an unstable compound?

An atom can be considered unstable in one of two ways. If it picks up or loses an electron, it becomes electrically charged and highly reactive. Such electrically charged atoms are known as ions. Instability can also occur in the nucleus when the number of protons and neutrons is unbalanced.

Why is a molecule more stable than an atom?

A molecule as compared to the atoms from which it is formed is more stable because it possesses energy lower than the energy of the uncombined atoms. This difference in energy is due to the fact that when atoms combine to form molecule, the attractive forces are created which result in release of energy.

What is the difference between a stable and unstable atom?

Atoms found in nature are either stable or unstable. An atom is stable if the forces among the particles that makeup the nucleus are balanced. An atom is unstable (radioactive) if these forces are unbalanced; if the nucleus has an excess of internal energy.

How is the stability in atoms achieved?

Atoms achieve stability in a single covalent bond by sharing valence electrons to create filled electron shells which are stable.