EightOuterElectrons
Elements of groups 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 bond to attain zero or eight, or share eight, outer electrons.
GroupOuterElectronCount
Neutral atoms of group 1 elements have 1 outer electron; group 2, 2 outer electrons; group 13, 3; group 14, 4; group 15, 5; group 16, 6; group 17, 7, and group 18, 8.
GroupsGainElectrons
Atoms of groups 15, 16, and 17 tend to bond by gaining electrons from other atoms.
GroupsLoseElectrons
Atoms of groups 1, 2, and 13 elements tend to bond by losing their outer electrons to other atoms.