Question

How does an atom convert to an ion and which of the two is more stable?[3]​

Answer 1

Explanation:

It is certainly NOT true that all ions are more stable than atoms. For example, C+ is horribly unstable, but solid carbon (graphite, diamond, etc..) is extremely stable.

Some ions are stabilized because they allow the atom to achieve an octet of 8 valence electrons. For example, F- is more stable than F for this reason. Other ions are stabilized by their surroundings, such as metal ions interacting with ligands.

So, in short, some ions are more stable than atoms, but that is not generally true.