Question

how do elements that are not stable try to attain stability

Answer 1

all the elements that are not stable have incomplete valence shell. they try to gain , loose , share electron for completing their valence shell. they can obtain a octet or a duplet

Answer 2

elements take part in a chemical reaction in order complete their octet formation order to be stable. the octet rule is having 8 electrons in the last shell it is necessary for the element to be stable.