Chapter 18.1, Problem 4R

To determine

To explain: electric forces are essential to forming compounds.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The electric force is the force between two charged particle or ions or an object which have either the same charge that means both positive or both negative. Object with opposite charge will attract each other and will repel each other if they have the same charge.

An atom can lose or gain or share an electron and are combined to form a compound. Atoms can lose or gain electrons to get stability. Ions either lose or gain electrons. Anion gains electrons. On the hand, a cation loses electron. The electric force exists between these oppositely charged particles and holds the atoms together. So, the electric force plays a major in forming compounds.

Conclusion:

Thus, electric force exists between these oppositely charged particles and holds the atoms together.