Question

How do non-metals achieve their nearest noble gas configuration?

Answer 1

Non-metals achieve their nearest noble gas configuration generally by gaining electrons.

Example:

1. Chlorine: It is a non-metal having atomic number 17. Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 7. To achieve its nearest noble gas configuration, it needs to gain 1 electron.
2. Nitrogen: It is a non-metal having atomic number 7. Its electronic configuration is 2, 5. To achieve its nearest noble gas configuration, it needs to gain 3 electrons.