Question

How many electrons should be present in the outermost shell of an element so that it behaves like a non-metal?

Answer 1

Non-metal — The tendency to lose electrons and form cation is considered a metal.

• Generally, the metal has 4,5,6,7 electrons in their outermost shell.
• All the non-metals have a tendency to gain an electron and form an anion, behaving like metals.
• Non-metals are non-malleable, non-ductile, non-sonorous, and non-lustrous, in nature.
• They have a low tensile strength.

Thus, there should be 4,5,6,7 electrons must be present in the outermost shell of an electron so that it behaves like a non-metal.