Example of anthropomorphism (and alternative conception) in popular science writing:
"Each element has one more electron than electron than the previous, and is eagerly trying to complete its outer shell."
"As mentioned before, chemistry is all about the outer shells of electrons and elements trying to fill them."
Chapman, K. (2019). Superheavy. Making and breaking the periodic table. Bloomsbury Sigma.
As well as being anthropomorphic, this ("chemistry is all about…") seems to adopt the common misconception that chemical processes occur in order for atoms [sic, not elements*] to obtain full outer electron shells . This is nonsense (nearly all reactions studied in school science use reagents where the atoms already have octets/full shells), but sadly widely repeated. [See the full outer shells explanatory principle.]
*This wording suggests a macrco-micro confusion. It would be better phrased as 'the atom of each element…', or similar. Although, it would still be scientifically incorrect. The atoms of very few elements acquire electrons and so complete their outer shells spontaneously. (I think, strictly, only fluorine. A chlorine atom would need to attract eleven electrons to obtain a full outer electron shell. It will spontaneously attract one, but then it acquires a negative charge and repels further electrons.
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