* Electronegativity: Nonmetals have a higher electronegativity than metals. This means they have a stronger attraction for electrons.
* Electron Gain: When a nonmetal atom bonds with a metal atom, it tends to gain one or more electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration (usually a full outer shell). This gain of electrons results in a negative charge, forming an anion.
Examples:
* Oxygen (O): In ionic compounds, oxygen often gains two electrons to form the oxide ion (O²⁻).
* Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine gains one electron to become the chloride ion (Cl⁻).
* Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen can gain three electrons to form the nitride ion (N³⁻).
Key point: Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons between atoms, leading to the formation of oppositely charged ions (cations and anions). Nonmetals are the elements that typically gain electrons to form anions.
