How do electrons contribute to chemical bonding?

Electrons play a fundamental role in chemical bonding primarily through their ability to be transferred or shared between atoms. The outermost electrons, known as valence electrons, are crucial in determining an atom's bonding behavior with other atoms.

In covalent bonding, atoms share pairs of electrons, which allows them to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resulting in filled outer electron shells. This sharing can occur in single, double, or triple bonds, depending on how many pairs of electrons are involved.

In ionic bonding, on the other hand, one atom transfers one or more of its electrons to another atom. This transfer creates charged particles known as ions—positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions leads to the formation of a stable ionic compound.

Understanding this mechanism of electron transfer and sharing is key to grasping how different substances interact chemically, form compounds, and exhibit various physical properties. Thus, recognizing the role of electrons in bonding is essential for comprehending broader chemical principles and reactions.