Question

In order for a nonmetal to obey the octet rule, it____.

A.gains protons
B.loses electrons
C.gains electrons
D.loses protons

Answer 1

C. In order for a nonmetal to obey the octet rule, it gains electrons.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Non-metals are the species which have deficiency of electrons. Therefore, in order to gain stability non-metals tend to gain electrons so that their octet gets completely filled.

For example, atomic number of chlorine is 17 and its electrons are distributed as 2, 8, 7. Thus, in order to completely filled the shell chlorine will gain one electron from an electron rich atom or metal.

Hence, we can conclude that in order for a nonmetal to obey the octet rule, it gains electrons.