Why do some atoms gain electrons while others lose them in chemical reactions?

Explanation:

Atoms gain or lose the electrons to complete their octet and get stability.

Consider the reaction between sodium and chlorine when they form salt sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride is ionic compound. Sodium atom have one valance electron by losing this one valance electron sodium atom get the complete octet. Chlorine atom has seven valance electrons and needed to lose seven valance electrons or to get one electron and thus complete the octet. It is very easy for chlorine atom to get one electrons instead of losing all seven electron. Thus when it react with sodium it gain the valance electron of sodium and form ionic compound.

The electronegativity of chlorine is 3.16 and for sodium is 0.93. There is large difference is present. That's why electron from sodium is completely transfer to the chlorine. Sodium becomes positive and chlorine becomes negative ion. Both atoms are bonded together electrostatic attraction occur between anion and cations.

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