Answer: Electrons and Energy: Why do Atoms Gain/Lose Energy?

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    Electrons Energy
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Atoms gain energy when they lose electrons because the energy required to remove an electron is taken from the surrounding environment, resulting in a net gain of energy for the atom. Conversely, when atoms gain electrons, they release energy as the added electron is attracted to the positively charged nucleus, leading to a decrease in energy. This process aligns with the law of conservation of energy, as energy is neither created nor destroyed but transferred. The discussion highlights the complexities of atomic interactions and energy transformations. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping fundamental concepts in chemistry and physics.
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Why do atoms gain energy when they lose electrons, and why do they lose energy when they gain electrons.

The only explanation I found (for the first question) raises more questions. The explanation was: it takes energy to remove an electron from an atom, and atoms gain that energy. I can understand why it takes energy to remove an electron from an atom, but why does the atom gain that energy?
 
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Law of conservation of energy.
 

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