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Iron and Oxygen Outer Shell Patterns

Students should understand that iron (in steel) and oxygen react to form rust. They should also understand the pattern that elements become stable when they have eight valence electrons in their outer shell. This is why atoms share electrons with other atoms/elements in order to have a full outer shell to become stable.

Have students use the models and pattern of outer shells of electrons to identify the number of valence electrons in iron and oxygen. Discuss which atom is likely to donate electrons and which is likely to receive electrons.