Answer: Non-metals form ions when they gain electrons.
Explanation:
An ion is formed when an atom looses or gains electron.
- When an atom looses electrons, it will form a positive ion known as cation.
- When an atom gains electrons, it will form a negative ion known as anion.
Metals are the elements which have a tendency to loose electrons and thus they form cations. Example: Sodium will loose 1 electron to form [tex]Na^+[/tex] ion.
Non-metals are the elements which have a tendency to gain electrons and thus they form anions. Example: Fluorine will gain 1 electron to form [tex]F^-[/tex] ion.
Hence, non-metals form ions when they gain electrons.
