Question

Which direction do electrons move in when metals react with non-metals? a. From metal to non-metal c. From non-metal to metal b. They do not move d. The are ejected from the compound

Answer 1

In a metal-nonmetal compound the metal is ALWAYS positive and the nonmetal is ALWAYS negative. So the metal loses electrons and the nonmetal gains them. Therefore the electrons flow from metal to nonmetal. (A)

Answer 2

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metals are the species that readily lose an electron in order to become positively charged ion.

For example, Lithium is an alkali metal with atomic number 3. Its electronic distribution is 2, 1.

In order to attain stability, lithium readily lose its valence electron and thus acquires +1 charge.

Whereas non-metals are the species that readily gain an electron in order to become negatively charged ion.

For example, chlorine being a non-metal with atomic number 17. Its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 7.

So, in order to attain stability it readily gains an electron.

Hence, when a metal combines with non-metal then electrons move from metal to non-metal.

Thus, we can conclude that electrons move from metal to non-metal when metals react with non-metals.