What happens when metals react with non metals?

When a metal reacts with a non-metal few changes takes place with the compound or molecules undergoing in the reaction. Let us see what happens.

Changes that take place during reaction

Transfer of electrons

When metals react with non-metals, electrons are transferred from the metal atoms to the non-metal atoms, forming ions. The resulting compound is called an ionic compound.

Formation of ions

The metal atoms give electrons to the non-metal atoms. The metal atoms become positive ions and the non-metal atoms become negative ions.

Reactions

Few examples of the reaction between metals and non metals

• Sodium + chlorine → sodium chloride
• Magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide
• Calcium + chlorine → calcium chloride