* Electronegativity: Nonmetals have higher electronegativity than metals. This means they have a stronger attraction for electrons.

* Electron Gain: In ionic bonding, a metal atom loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged cation. The nonmetal atom gains these electrons, becoming a negatively charged anion.

Example:

In the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (a metal) loses one electron to become a sodium cation (Na+). Chlorine (a nonmetal) gains that electron to become a chloride anion (Cl-).

Key Takeaway: Nonmetals, due to their high electronegativity, tend to gain electrons and form anions in ionic bonding.