Why do atoms of nonmetals form anions while atoms of metals form cations?

Answer 1

Metals lose electrons in bonding whilst non-metals gain electrons during ionic bonding hence metals for cations and non-metals form anions. It is difficult for a non metal such as oxygen to lose 6 electrons to form a cation since it would need a lot of energy. When it comes to metals it is also difficult to gain that much elecrons since as electrons are added the effective nuclear charge increases each time.

Answer 2

Metals form cations because after getting attracted to the cathode, they lose an electron thus getting a full valence shell. Since they lose an electron and are attracted to the negative cathode they are given the name "cation". Non-metals form anions because after getting attracted to the anode, they gain an electron thus forming the full shell. Since they gain an electron and are attracted to the positive anode they are given he name "anion"

Answer 3

Nonmetals generally are more electronegative than metals, meaning that they have a stronger pull on their electrons - thus when they form ions, metals give up electrons (forming cations) and nonmetals take up electrons (forming anions).

Answer 4

Metals have the tendency to loose electrons. Similarly non metals have the tendency to gain electrons. Metals are larger than non metals of same category. It requires more energy to remove a electron fron a non metal since they are more compact with nucleus. A non metal being compact have much greater tendency to gain a electron than loosing it.

Answer 5

Metals transfer their electrons to nonmetals in order to reach the "octet" or 8 electrons in the valence shell.

Answer 6

Metals have a low electronegativity.

Answer 7

anions