C) atoms are more stable when they combine with other atoms
<h3><u>Explanation</u>;</h3>
Atoms are the smallest particles of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction.
<em><u>Atoms seldom exist as independent particles in nature. Nearly all substances are made up of combinations of atoms that are held together by chemical bonds, which are forces of attractions between the nuclei and valence electrons of different atoms that join the atoms together.</u></em>
