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The simplest explanation is that metals have valence electrons to give away, and non metals need extra electrons to complete their valence shell.

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What happens to atoms of most nonmetals when they react with other elements?

They tend to gain electrons when reacting with a metal. Metals generally are short of a full octet by 1 to 4 valence electrons. It is easier to drop 2 electrons than try to gain 6 electrons. The elements in group four can go either way, but the other metals will give up electrons, and non-metals will take them.


What are the three into which elements can be classified basd on their proprtiess?

Elements can be classified into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties. Metals are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Nonmetals are typically dull, brittle, and poor conductors. Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals.


What are the different types of elements on the Periodic table?

The periodic table includes metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals are typically shiny, ductile, and good conductors of electricity. Nonmetals are often dull, brittle, and poor conductors. Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals.


Are all solid elements metals?

No, not all solid elements are metals. There are three main types of elements: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. While metals make up the majority of the periodic table, there are also nonmetals and metalloids which have different properties and characteristics.


Are molecular compounds made up of metals or nonmetals?

Molecular compounds are typically made up of nonmetals. Metals tend to form ionic compounds with nonmetals, whereas nonmetals tend to share electrons with other nonmetals, resulting in the formation of molecular compounds through covalent bonding.

Related Questions

When nonmetals and metals react which atom electrons?

Metals loss electrons and nonmetals gain electrons.


What happens when nonmetals and metals react?

metals lose electrons when they react with a non-metal


When non metals react and metals react which atoms gain electrons?

Nonmetals gain electrons.


What elements react with metals?

Elements from the boron, carbon, pnictogen, chalcogen and halogen families (groups 13 to 17) react with metals.


What elements do nonmetals react to?

Nonmetals commonly react with metals to form ionic compounds. Nonmetals can also react with other nonmetals to form covalent compounds. Additionally, nonmetals can react with oxygen, hydrogen, and halogens to form various types of compounds.


Are metals always gaining electrons when they react?

nonmetals tend to gain electrons when they react


Does metals react with non metals?

As far as I know, non-metals like Carbon(C) and Sulphur(S) do not react with water. They are tightly binded, so they are insoluble too. Chilax


What do non metals react to?

Nonmetals typically react with both metals and other nonmetals. When reacting with metals, nonmetals can gain electrons to form negative ions, as seen in halogens reacting with alkali metals. In reactions with other nonmetals, they may share electrons to form covalent bonds, such as in the formation of molecules like water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Additionally, nonmetals can participate in oxidation-reduction reactions, where they may either gain or share electrons.


What is reactivity of properties of metals?

Electronegativities of metals are very different: alkali metals are very reactive, platinum metals very unreactive. Metals react with nonmetals.


What is the metallic properties?

Electronegativities of metals are very different: alkali metals are very reactive, platinum metals very unreactive. Metals react with nonmetals.


What does plutonium react with and wont react with?

Plutonium react with the majority of nonmetals; plutonium doesn't react with noble gases. Plutonium can form alloys with other metals.


How do metals and nonmetals react?

Metals tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form negatively charged ions. When metals and nonmetals react, they often form ionic compounds through the transfer of electrons. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of a bond between the metal and nonmetal atoms.