Question

Metals tend to lose electrons and are electropositive in nature whereas non-metals tend to gain electrons and are electronegative. Identify the correct statement regarding the compounds formed by combining metals and non-metals.

• A. They form ionic compounds
• B. They form covalent compounds
• C. They form metallic bonding
• D. They form organic compounds

Answer 1

The correct option is A They form ionic compounds

Elements try to become stable by attaining inert gas configuration. In this process, they either lose or gain electrons or share electron pairs. Atoms form positive ions when they lose electrons and upon gaining electrons, they form negative ions. A metal and a non-metal combine to form an Ionic compound by complete transfer of electrons from the metal to a non-metal. Example, in NaCl, Sodium loses one electron to Chlorine to form Sodium Chlorine.