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Metals have few electrons in their outer shells and therefore lose these electrons to become more stable. For example sodium (in group 1 ) has one electron in its outer shell, it loses this very easily becoming energetically more stable in the process.
Non metals do the opposite. e.g. Chlorine (in group 7) has 7 electrons in its outer shell. It will gain one electron very easily to obtain a full outer shell... becoming energetically more stable in the process.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe "goal" of every element is to complete its octet (unless it's already complete like the Noble Gases). To do so, or to achieve a more stable electron configuration, it will either donate or accept neighboring electrons.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoElectronegativity is the ability for an element to attract electrons. When two elements combine the element with the higher electronegativity is the one that gets the electrons while the other loses them. Generally, metals have low electronegativity and non metals have high electronegativity so it allows them to gain the electrons during a chemical reaction.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoI would have to say bc the electronegativity of non-metals are greater since electronegativity increases from the left of the Periodic Table to the upper right of the periodic table. Also the valence electrons from the the alkali metals and the alkaline earth metals are only two and one. They can easily give up their electrons to satisfy the octet of a compound when forming an ionic bond. For example like NaCl (the most overstated ionic bond).
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoMetals have a tendency to lose electrons in an effort acquire the noble gas configuration of eight valence electrons. They want to achieve this configuration because it is very stable.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoWhen metals lose an electron, they become positively charged (cations) and so they are said to be electropositive... And also metals lose electrons inorder to attain an octet configuration.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoit a unokn
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When metals and non metals react whichs atoms gain electrons?
Nonmetals usually accept electrons to become negative ions (anions), e.g. Cl + e- --> Cl-.
When non metals are most active they can do what?
easily gain electrons
What tend to lose electrons in order to become stable?
In chemistry, metals are the elements that tend to lose electrons when they react to form compounds; Non-metals tend to gain electrons when they form compounds. When metals and non-metals react and exchange electrons with one another they form an ionic bond.
Which elements are most likely to gain electrons?
metals have a tendency to lose electrons while nonmetals have a tendency to gain electrons. Metals are located left of the stair-step line and non-metals are located to its right.
When nonmetals and metals react which atom electrons?
Metals loss electrons and nonmetals gain electrons.
What does non metals gain?
to lose electrons
Do elements in the non-metal family gain or lose electrons?
Actually, non metals always gain electrons
It can be formed by sharing electrons?
Covalent bonds are formed when non-metals share electrons. Ionic bonds are formed when metals and non-metals lose and gain electrons.
When metals and non metals react whichs atoms gain electrons?
Nonmetals usually accept electrons to become negative ions (anions), e.g. Cl + e- --> Cl-.
Use ionization energy to explain why metals lose electrons more easily than nonmetals?
Metals lose electrons more easily than the non-metals because they require less ionization energy compared with the non-metals. The metals require less ionization energy to lose the electrons than though gain the electrons unlike the non-metals.
Do nonmetals loses electrons?
No. Nonmetals generally gain electrons during chemical reactions.
When non metals are most active they can do what?
easily gain electrons
How are all of the nonmetal elements on the periodic table relate in term of ability to lose electron?
All non-metals have either 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their octet which makes them suitable to gain electrons to achieve stability. Hence it is difficult for electrons to lose electrons.
What tend to lose electrons in order to become stable?
In chemistry, metals are the elements that tend to lose electrons when they react to form compounds; Non-metals tend to gain electrons when they form compounds. When metals and non-metals react and exchange electrons with one another they form an ionic bond.
Which elements are most likely to gain electrons?
metals have a tendency to lose electrons while nonmetals have a tendency to gain electrons. Metals are located left of the stair-step line and non-metals are located to its right.
Atoms of metals do what with electrons to become stable while atoms nonmetals tend to do what to electrons to become stable?
Choices: a) eject, retain B) lose, gain c) retain,gain d) gain, lose e) lose, retain
When non metals react and metals react which atoms gain electrons?
Nonmetals gain electrons.
