Atoms react with each other to reach a stable state. They aim to complete their outermost electron shell. To achieve this, atoms interact with atoms of different elements, forming compounds. The sharing of electrons leads to the formation of covalent and ionic bonds. Atoms communicate in this process by either transferring or sharing electrons located in their outermost shells The sharing of electrons results in the formation of covalent and ionic bonds. These outer electrons dictate the chemical properties of the element, influencing how it interacts with other atoms to form compounds.