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When does an atom exist in its most stable configuration?

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The atom exists in its most stable configuration when its outermost shell is completely filled; in combining with other atoms, it thus tends to gain or lose valence electrons in order to attain a stable configuration.

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Similar questions: How does an atom attain a stable configuration? Why does having the outermost shell of an atom filled cause it to be in its most stable configuration? [ Hide these questions ]

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