* Gain electrons: Non-metals tend to have a higher electronegativity than metals. This means they have a stronger attraction for electrons. In an ionic bond, the non-metal atom will gain one or more electrons from the metal atom, resulting in a negative charge.

* Become an anion: Due to gaining electrons, the non-metal atom will become negatively charged and is now called an anion.

* Achieve a stable electron configuration: By gaining electrons, the non-metal atom will typically achieve a full outer shell of electrons, making it more stable and less reactive.

Example:

Consider the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl):

* Sodium (Na) is a metal and has one valence electron.

* Chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal and has seven valence electrons.

Sodium loses its one valence electron to chlorine, becoming a positively charged sodium ion (Na+). Chlorine gains that electron, becoming a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-). These oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming an ionic bond.

In short, a non-metallic atom after forming an ionic bond will become negatively charged, stable, and more reactive than before.