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Completely filled atomic orbitals show special stability. Example: Neon, Ne is 1s22s22p6 Ne is a Noble Gas, and very unreactive. The next electron makes Sodium, Na 1s22s22p63s1 Sodium is a very reactive metal. Now take away the electron from Na to get Na+. Its electronic configuration will be the same as Ne. Sodium ion is quite stable. Chlorine, Cl is 1s22s22p63s23p5 it is one electron away from becoming Ar. So Cl- will be stable too. |