wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Non-metals contain _______ number of electrons in their outermost shell.

A
1, 2, or 3
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
B
8, 9, or 10
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
C
10, 20, or 30
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
D
5, 6, or 7
Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses
Open in App
Solution

The correct option is D 5, 6, or 7

A full and stable outer shell of an electron consists of eight electrons. In chemistry, this is called the "octet rule". An atom will look to chemically combine with another atom to form a compound or a molecule if it has less than eight electrons. This can be done via either covalent or ionic bonding.

Elements having 4 or more valence (outer shell) electrons tend to behave like non metals and elements having 4 or less valence (outer shell) electrons tend to behave like metals.

Two non-metal tend to form covalent bonds by sharing electrons. An electron that is shared goes towards both of the atoms' octets.

When a metal and a nonmetal combine, an ionic bonds is created. It is easier for the metals, which have 4 or less electrons, to lose electrons. Metals lose all the valence electrons of their current outer shell. In this way, the shell directly beneath the previous shell becomes its full outer shell. Likewise, the nonmetals gain enough electrons from the metals to complete their octet.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Position of Hydrogen in the Periodic Table
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon