Thread: electron energy level question

Look i got one question.
There is a element, first energy level has 2 electrons, second energy level has 8 electrons, third has only 2 electrons. So is it need to gain 6 more electrons or loose 2? I think it is loose 2,because its easier then gain 6 from somewhere...
..And i know you need 8 outer electrons to become stable...
Sry for bad english, Thanks

an element with only two valence electrons (two electrons in the outer shell) will typically LOSE the two electrons in order to gain a filled octet.

I hope that answers your question?

As far as your termanology goes...
We typically call the s and p orbitals "shells." Thus, your sentence would read;

There is a element, first SHELL has 2 electrons, second SHELL has 8 electrons, third has only 2 electrons. So is it need to gain 6 more electrons or loose 2? I think it is loose 2,because its easier then gain 6 from somewhere...


don't know if you really care about that, but i thought i would mention it for you.

Hope that helps!

ok, Thanks

If you're talking about Mg it will lose two in an ionic bond. It'll have more trouble adding because it has a full 3s sublevel and adding one would require a disprorptionate amount of energy because it will occupy a new 3p sublevel.

s,p,d isnt shells, thats subshells