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How do metals and nonmetals differ in their behavior during chemical reactions?
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periodic table
Modern version of the periodic table of the elements. To learn an element's name, atomic number, electron configuration, atomic weight, and more, select one from the table.
Metals and nonmetals differ primarily in their tendency to gain or lose electrons during chemical reactions, a behavior driven by their respective ionization energies and electronegativities.1
Behavior of Metals
- Electron Loss: Metal atoms typically have low ionization energies, causing them to lose valence electrons to form positively charged cations.12
- Ionic Bonding: When reacting with nonmetals, metals transfer these electrons, resulting in the formation of ionic compounds.12
- Metallic Bonding: When metal atoms bond with one another, they release valence electrons in a way that allows the resulting structure to conduct electricity.2
Behavior of Nonmetals
- Electron Gain or Sharing: Nonmetals possess relatively high ionization energies and electronegativities. They tend to gain electrons to form negatively charged anions or share electrons with other nonmetals.12
- Covalent Bonding: When two nonmetals react, they typically form covalent bonds by sharing electron pairs, as neither atom readily gives up its valence electrons.12
In the periodic table, these trends generally increase from left to right across a period and decrease down a group.1