What happens when non metal atoms ionize?

Answer 1

The combination of a nonmetal atom with a metal atom is perhaps the most common chemical reaction that we are familiar with. Take, for instance, the classic example of sodium chloride (NaCl) which is table salt.

In sodium chloride, the sodium metal reacts with chlorine gas to form a compound. The compound formed is an ionic compound. It is ionic in nature because the metal atom, sodium, has a natural tendency to lose electrons. The chlorine gas, on the other hand has a natural tendency to gain electrons. The purpose of gaining and losing electrons by atoms is to achieve a stable electron configuration that matched that of the noble (inert) gases. The noble gases, which include helium, argon, krypton, neon, xenon, and radon have one thing in common that distinguishes them from other types of elements. Their outer most shell which contains valence electrons is completely filled. In other words.

Relating to the idea of a stable shell, sodium, which has one electron in its valence shell, could achieve this stable configuration by losing one electron.

Chlorine, on the other hand, has seven valence electrons in its outermost shell. Since it needs only one electron to achieve the stable configuration of eight electrons, chlorine accepts one electron from sodium.

The reason why sodium chloride and other reactions between alkali metals and chloride are used as the classic examples of a chemical reaction between metals and nonmetals is because they involve the lose of one electron and the acceptance of one electron. Chemical reactions between metals and nonmetals become more complex as metals that lose more than one electron are involved. For example, the reaction between magnesium and chloride involves the lose of two electrons by magnesium to a chlorine atom. Because a chlorine atom needs one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, accepting two electrons would be not practical. Therefore, for each magnesium atom that loses two electrons, two chlorine atoms gain electrons.

The following is an illustration of the reaction that takes place between magnesium and chlorine:

Mg(s) + Cl2(g) --> MgCl2

Overall, any reaction that occurs between a nonmetal and metal involves a transfer of electrons from the metal to the nonmetal.

Answer 2

When non-metal atoms ionize, just like metal atoms they gain a net charge. Nonmetals will gain or lose one or more electrons.

Answer 3

When an atom ionizes, the atom becomes an ion but the charge can vary depending on the atoms. With non-metals they tend to become anions and thus GAIN electrons.

Answer 4

Non-metal atoms gain an electron, or electrons, from another atom to become negatively charged ions.

Answer 5

Depending on: the metal and the nonmetal, temperature, pressure, atmosphere, etc.

Answer 6

Nonmetal atoms gain electrons when they form ions. They get the electrons from the metal atoms that they bond with.