“Happy” Elements All elements want to be “happy” An atom wants a stable outer energy level to make them “happy”

How do they become happy? Atoms will gain or lose electrons in order to become stable. Usually the most stable configuration involves having 8 valence e - 8 electrons = full octet

Stable Elements… Nobel Gases do not need to transfer or share any electrons because they already have 8 valence electrons and are stable

Octet Rule Atoms will form bonds with other atoms in order to have eight valence electrons. Can share or transfer electrons with other elements Elements will not just lose or gain electrons. They will give to another element or take from another element

Oxidation Numbers The oxidation number indicates how many electrons are going to be lost or gained during bonding. Range from -4 to +4

Predicting Oxidation Numbers 1. First, determine how many valence electrons the neutral atom has. 2. Determine if the atom will lose or gain electrons. Ask yourself, which would be faster?  A) Losing down to zero  B) Gaining up to eight 3.Count the number of electrons gained or lost.  If you lose electrons, the charge will be (+)  If you gain extra electrons, the charge will be (-)

Practice What would the oxidation number be for the following atoms? A) LithiumB) Sulfur C) AluminumD) Iodine E) PhosphorousF) Carbon G) Neon ± 0

Oxidation #s on the PT