Halogens, group 17 on the Periodic Table, typically gain or share one electron in covalent bonds
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
Atoms of non-metals usually gain or share electrons when they react with other atoms.
When nonmetals and metals react, it is typically the metal atoms that lose electrons. Metals tend to have low electronegativities, allowing them to easily give up electrons and form positive ions (cations). In contrast, nonmetals have higher electronegativities and tend to gain electrons, forming negative ions (anions). This transfer of electrons from metals to nonmetals is a key characteristic of ionic bonding.
Oxygen is a very reactive and very electronegative nonmetal. It has a strong tendency to "steal" electrons from other atoms to become more stable. Metals, which tend to be electropositive generally lose electrons to become more stable.
Metals loss electrons and nonmetals gain electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
Nonmetals gain electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
== == When metals react with other elements, the atoms of the metals give up their valence electrons.
Atoms of non-metals usually gain or share electrons when they react with other atoms.
Atoms of non-metals usually gain or share electrons when they react with other atoms.
metals lose electrons when they react with a non-metal
Atoms of non-metals generally react with atoms of metals by forming ionic compounds. This is achieved when non-metals gain electrons or a metal atom loses electrons.