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

When metal reacts with non-metal following changes occurs.

• 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